| Rick6a |
01-01-2012 03:22 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by longranger
(Post 611887)
......I'm still on the fence with the electric vs. manual flaps because with manual, you can put them WHERE you want them WHEN you want them.....
|
WARNING. THREAD DRIFT ALERT!
Miles,
Before you jump off that fence and finally make a flap system purchasing decision, make it a truly informed purchasing decision. I sense you may not be fully aware of the possibilities available to you. In that spirit, I feel that I must comment on your WHERE and WHEN assumptions regarding the real or imagined operational advantages of a manual flap system compared against a popular alternative...electric flaps.
By design, manual flaps only offer a few fixed settings, commonly established by the builder to be 10º, 20º, 30º and 40º and a big honking space wasting flap handle to accomodate manual flap operation. A tried and true manual flap system, there is no denying that it works well enough to satisfy the needs and desires of many, many pilots. I sometimes wonder how many old school RV8 pilots would opt for manual flaps if they had the choice. Alternatively, by sporting electric flap operation, I effortlessly manipulate the momentary flap toggle switch positioned atop the Infinity stick grip and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that unlike manual operation, I can deploy a truly infinite range of flap settings from 0º thru 40º. If I so choose to deploy 13 ¾º of flaps, I can do just that. Does manual flap operation give the pilot any ability to crank in 27 ½º or 34 ¼º of flap deployment? The answer to that is not just no but heck no.
It has been commented before....yet I have no first hand knowledge that the occasional formation pilot has been known to take advantage of that infinite flap setting capability to make slight adjustments (1º or 2º) to more easily maintain formation flight. Whether that is true or not, what I do know for sure is that I have found when practicing touch and gos or doing an unexpected go-around, it is very convenient without removing my hand from the joystick grip to retract the flaps to any degree I want, WHEN I want. By keeping a firm grip on the joystick at all times, specifically NOT having to reach for a panel mounted electric flap switch or a floor located manual flap handle, my full attention to the task at hand need not be even slightly diverted. I feel my preference (electric flaps with grip mounted momentary toggle) is a good and safe arrangement all around but of course mine is a highly personal choice, the type of decision each builder has to decide for himself. :)
|