Aircraft takes off with no pilot...because of wind.

On 3/19/2013 9:34 PM, Tony V wrote:

Oh, how not true, Chris! Elevator position ALWAYS matters. And in
fact, nose down is where the elevator should be when the glider is
unattended. Why? Wind comes up from the nose, the elevator will
raise the tail if the wind is high enough, reducing the angle of
attack and making it less likely that the plane will blow away. Wind
comes up from behind, it will keep the tail pinned to the ground.
Same applies to both nose dragger and tail dragger planes. How many
have seen single engine Cessnas blown over by a wind from behind
because the tail was not secured and the control wheel was held back?
I have seen quite a number.

And depending on the tail wheel, nose up elevator can help compress a
tailwheel leaf spring increasing the angle of attack and make the
plane more likely to blow away. Think 2-33s and the long, slender
single leaf springs.


Ah, but on a 2-33 the elevator drain holes are near the hinge. Tie the
stick "nose up", and any water that collects won't drain.

I meant "nose down" elevator.

Tony V.