Survivability VS landing speed
wrote in message
ups.com...
Thanks in advance for the help
I can't help you on the specific article (I would like to see it myself).
Remember that Energy = MV^2, and the landing ain't over until all of that energy
has somehow been dissipated. It can be dissipated in aerodynamic drag, rolling
resistance, and by heating up brakes; or it can be dissipated by deforming the
airframe and its occupants. We naturally prefer the former.
Assume any weight you like for your airframe and do the math for different
speeds. You will quickly discover that ten knots one way or the other makes a
heluva difference. A lighter airframe also makes a significant difference.
This is why the Sport Pilot regulations limit both gross weight and stall
speed... to limit the landing energy the pilot must deal with.
Vaughn
|