Chandelle, speaking of tight turns

wrote in message
oups.com...
when you did it, did you wait until manovering speed before pulling
all the way back? I'd worry, in the Mooney, if the pilot in command
(he loves being called that) pulled back to the stops at cruise. If
you kept your wits about you, I'd guess firm back until I think 130
knots, then to the aft limit in that airplane, would probably only
break a gyro or two, and not the backbone of the airplane. I don't
know if its gyros are rated for more than 60 degrees back or pitch.

First things first, don't over stress the aircraft under any circumstances,
it shouldn't be necessary. You shouldn't need more than 2.5 Gs max, if that
much. But keep the Gs on. As the aircraft slows, maintaining those Gs
assures you the tightest possible loop radius, and is the quickest way over
the top. In this case, unlike demonstration aerobatics, you want an
elliptical loop. You shouldn't hit the stops until you get very near the
top, and very slow, if even then. Nine times out of ten these days, you
won't hurt the gyros, but there is no guarantee unless they are designed for
such duty or can be caged.


I think the numbers would work out that we'd be well above stall at
the top still pulling positive gees, then a roll to upright, with
altitude in the bank. Be fun to try it in a simulator, but my personal
PIC would not do it in the airplane unless there was building in front
of him.


I'd recommend some fundamental aerobatic training to ALL pilots. Just make
sure you have the proper equipment, and a good instructor. Nothing can
prepare you more for the unexpected, and make you feel more at easy during
your routine piloting. And an Immelmann as you describe, is a good move to
practice often.