Hello Net
Today was another crosswind day at the airport. It was only 5 Kts. As for the
tailwheel and the crosswind landing, I agree with Colin in that I make wheel
landings when the wind is not down the runway. With the wind down the runway,
it is even fun to land tailwheel first and lower the mains to the runway, or do
a full stall. With crosswind, at least in my KR it is necessary to have a bit
more speed to give better roll control. The rudder does a good job on it's own
and in combination with the ailerons in a crab. However, the ailerons are just
not that responsive at slow speeds. I do feel that one can learn to control
whatever equipment the craft is equipped with, be it full swivel or cable with
or without springs. Perhaps instructors have a preference for one over the
other, or maybe that's how all the old planes were made, anyway we can learn to
fly either way. As for the envelope, I am practicing using the waste gate. I
have not fully closed the gate yet. It appears that the last half inch of gate
is where all the power is hiding. When I get into the nearly closed part, the
engine gains power in a hurry. Today I took off with the gate about 3/4 closed
and the engine was only at 2800 RPM and 30 MP. While climbing through the
first 200', I pulled more boost and the engine responded by going to 3300 RPM
and the MP went instantly to about 39 and I had to open up to bleed off some of
the pressure and the engine settled for 33 and 37. I stayed at this setting
till I reached pattern altitude. The climb rate was about 600. I made only 3
takeoff and landings and each one was a practice at using the gate. The oil
temp was near red by the time I had finished the three. The pattern was full
today and I had to control my self to keep from overtaking the 172 that was in
front of me.
Orma
Southfield, MI
N110LR celebrating 20 years
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