I will try. I might need your help with that when you are here.

Over in this thread, were talking about electric vs. manual flaps. That has spurred a bunch of other questions. I thought this might be the right thread for some, since I put it into the context of contact flying and energy management. Flaps are a way of loosing or containing energy with high power settings or nose down attitude. There is the obvious times to use flaps, such as in some canyon turn techniques, descening steeply, and ofcourse landing. I also know that I should probably learn to not use flap every time on takeoff. When flying alone, to keep the Savage within flap speed, I need to climb quickly and steep. It would be interesting to hear a bit about everyones thoughts on guiding principles for flap use. How to use it when it is needed, and not just because it is an item on the checklist. Or is it better to play it safe and just use flap when it is written out somewhere that I should?

Sorry for the question beign a bit vague…

Varanger wrote:... and not just because it is an item on the checklist. Or is it better to play it safe and just use flap when it is written out somewhere that I should?
Sorry for the question beign a bit vague…

Are you interested in a checklist suggestion? or a design limit? Fly the thing with design speeds in mind, and the flaps become another flight control, rather than just a tool manipulated from rote knowledge dictated by a 'checklist'. As such the flaps can be used for sooo much more that just 10° abeam, 20° on base, and wtf on final... if your flaps allow, I'd suggest completely forgetting 'settings' and discovering what you really need. That is one of the pluses of most electric flap set ups. When actually in use, I never know how much flaps I have deployed in a Thrush beyond being what it took to get what I needed.

I *think* flaps in a turn are probably not only more than what you really need, but probably more than you can pin point at this state in your flying game. But what do I know? maybe you're the next Bob Hoover? On some aircraft, in some regimes, they are a must. On most aircraft in most flying regimes, it's overthinking.

Take care,
Rob

I have too much time on my hands, and I am overthinking things. The question does not stem from an actual «problem» when flying, rather just a theoretical curiousity of a major control surface that is surprisingly lightly discussed in the curriculum (atleast mine).

I dont think I will should my name to Bill Dyson anytime soon either…

If I would «need» flaps in a turn, I would have serious mistakes to put myself in that situation. Dont see why it should play any role in normal flight regimes either. Little point in increasing workload for sake of being fancy… Flaps in a turn sound like something that might be fun to play around with as an exercise to find out to learn what the plane wants.

I am surprised by how «easy» it seems to be to use flaps. Adds lift and drag for when that might be useful. Apart from adding too much drag in certain situations, it does not seem to have any major downsides. Nothing else in flying has been that straight forward!

I do a lot of low and slow flying in the cub both on long trips and local "rides" with wife and company. Any time I am below 60 mph I usually add 1/2 flaps (only got 1/2 or full) and trim for hands off flight. That provides more stability/visibility over the nose/easy to grab if I need more. I like to also use them I need to gain 3,000 ft quickly. On a hard full throttle climb in my cub 1&2 quickly get high CHT's while 3&4 remain pretty much the same. Flap use helps keep the nose from getting too high and helps with the front cylinder temps. I can think of only a few times when I was trying to hold the plane on the ground due to severe gusting winds that I did not use flaps on the takeoff run. It is a good ideal to do some no flap takeoff heavy and light so you can see just how bad you can screw up not having them on a short runway. Be very careful trying to pop flaps in any crosswind. You may have a Valdez winning takeoff only to find you now are in the air with little to no directional control. That has bit several pilots up here at the cost of a total rebuild. On a canyon turn I am already slow at 1/2 flaps just add full as I roll into the steep bank letting the nose drop. It turns on a dime with full flaps. Lots of opportunity to properly use flaps when flying backcountry.
I typed up something last night but it did not seem to send we will see if it shows up.
DENNY