Quilljar wrote:

I think it is true to say that it is possible to 'roll' any aircraft.
Because if done properly, there should be no more than a very slight extra
strain on the airframe. 'Looping' a 747 is another matter entirely! You have
to pull a lot of G in a loop... I would, perhaps, be prepared to risk it in
a Flight Simulator though, providing I had a stiff whisky and a sandwich by
my side, and a couple of attractive (non PC) nurses to fan my brow
afterwards :-)

Actually, even a loop can be low G when executed correctly. I've met and
spoke with on a number of occasions an ex-test pilot for the Boeing
MD-NOTAR Helicopters. The test pilots would have informal contests with
one another to see who could pull off the lowest G's while looping their
helicopters. He could keep the max + G forces below 1.5, and supposably
the other pilot could keep it below 1 G.

The key is forward momentum combined with making the loop more oval then
round. Keep your airspeed high (well above maneuvering speed), start a
shallow climb and slowing increase the angle of climb until you reach
the point at which you are nearly at the top of the loop. Since the
airspeed is nearly at the stall speed now, you can pull back on the yoke
more sharply with significantly increasing the G-load. Bring the bird
over the top and then come out of the loop slow and gradual.

As long as you keep + G-forces on an airplane, it doesn't know if it's
upside down or right side up. Think about the G force a 747 has to
endure when it hits severe turbulence at 450kts at 33,000. Those birds
can handle a lot.

A quick search on google found this dumbed down explanation of why it's
probably not a good idea to roll or loop a 747:

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_262.html

Here's the great video of the 707 doing a roll as part of an impromptu
promotional scheme:

http://www.alexisparkinn.com/photoga...707%20Roll.mpg

Now why not go try looping and rolling the 747 or 777 in FS2004? Can't
hurt! Maybe start on the ground and then use the Map mode to give
yourself a lot of altitude (but not too much because you want good air
density) - Say, 18,000' and 300 kts.

Best,

Randy