My first freezing rain encounter

wrote in message ups.com...
Geez, it's amazing how things become old wives tales. Only a small
number of the very first model 177s (original 1968 model year
airplanes) left the factory before it was noticed that with full flaps
and when slipping toward a landing the pilot could experience an
intermittent "tug" on the control wheel. It was traced to the airflow
over the stabilator in those conditions and the stabilator nearing the
stall angle of attack. It was decided to put the slots in the
stabilator to allow it to fly at a higher angle of attack. It solved
the problem. The ones in the field that didn't have them were modified
and all subsequent airplanes (rest of the 177s, all of the 177As and
177Bs) left the factory with the slots. It also resulted in removing
the recommendation against slips with full flaps from the Owner's
Manual.

Totally separate issue from tailplane stall in icing.
All the best,
Rick


Horizontal tail effectiveness and tailplane stall just the same...There were instances of landing gear damage due to
hard landings by folks running out of elevator that was attributed to this also. Don't get me wrong, the 177 RG (or no
RG) is a fine instrument platform and a fine flier.

BTW, I may be getting old but I am not an old wife! ;-)