RR Urban wrote:
"Morgans" wrote:


Most of the Pitts' that I have flown where more difficult to keep
straight than they should have been not because of tailwheel type but
because they had toe in, but that is another story...

Martin
Pitts S1-S


Should it be toe in, or toe out?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

#$%^&* INSTIGATING SHMUCK !!!!!!!!!


Barnyard BOb - none of the above

Geez Barnyard, I don't know you but I reckon the expletive is a bit much.

I'm sure you think it shouldn't be mentioned because you obviously know
the answer. It has probably been done to death in this newsgroup as
well, I wouldn't know as I'm new here.

I mentioned it BECAUSE I figured you all would know!!

However, obviously someone doesn't (or even if they do there will be
someone else who doesn't). And I'm happy to enlighten them because if I
hadn't had to work it out the hard way my life would have been a lot
more pleasant for some time.

So, to the answer.

Conventional wisdom (which seems to be lacking in many LAME's) is to use
zero degrees of camber for a tail dragger just as our erstwhile Barnyard
mentioned. However, using a little toe out can make the a/c more stable
on the ground as it will tend to straighten itself. So, a little toe out
can be good, a very little toe in can make the a/c a real pig to handle.

Darrol Stinton in "The Design of the Aeroplane" suggests that up to 1 to
2 degrees of toe out can be used for a difficult tail dragger. (Note
that he also suggests that zero degrees would be normal)

I used half a degree (in three point attitude) for my Pitts (which
previously had toe in). The change was dramatic! Except for the swing
from applying power the only time it changed heading on the ground was
if I pushed a peddle.

The Pitts in question had previously been owned by an excellent pilot
(advanced level champion, airline captain, yadda yadda) that had never
been seen to make a good landing in it.


I'm sure Barnyard doesn't want any more mention of this subject, so I
won't say anymore. If you disagree with what I said, fine. If that is
the case I'd suggest you at least read the Darrol Stinton book
mentioned. It is a standard text for many aero engineers and I have made
2 a/c a joy to land using his advice.


Martin Morgan
Pitts S1-S