Tankerpilot75
Well Known Member
As an “old“ military pilot I thought I knew a few things about gentle aerobatics. Unfortunately I’ve either totally lost those skills or I’m not doing something right (I suspect the later).
Here’s the situation: I entered the aileron roll at 125kts and 20 degrees nose high. Full left aileron deflection and the roll began as expected. After a full 360 degree rotation I found myself approximately 50 degrees nose down and doing a “nose low” unusual attitude recovery (felt like the bottom half of a low g loop) - not what I expected. Roll rate did seem a little slow. No rudder input was used for the roll since it was an “aileron roll!” Second and third attempts - same results.
I’m thinking maybe a little rudder is required to speed up the roll rate. Am I correct? Obviously, the slower the roll rate the lower the nose is at a return to wings level. Suggestions from those with better RV flying skills?
The T38 would do two full deflection 360 degree aileron rolls in about one second (could give you a real headache if the other pilot caught you off guard). The T37 was slower. However neither aircraft required rudder input for the aileron roll. It’s only been 45 years since I flew those aircraft but the memories are precious!
Here’s the situation: I entered the aileron roll at 125kts and 20 degrees nose high. Full left aileron deflection and the roll began as expected. After a full 360 degree rotation I found myself approximately 50 degrees nose down and doing a “nose low” unusual attitude recovery (felt like the bottom half of a low g loop) - not what I expected. Roll rate did seem a little slow. No rudder input was used for the roll since it was an “aileron roll!” Second and third attempts - same results.
I’m thinking maybe a little rudder is required to speed up the roll rate. Am I correct? Obviously, the slower the roll rate the lower the nose is at a return to wings level. Suggestions from those with better RV flying skills?
The T38 would do two full deflection 360 degree aileron rolls in about one second (could give you a real headache if the other pilot caught you off guard). The T37 was slower. However neither aircraft required rudder input for the aileron roll. It’s only been 45 years since I flew those aircraft but the memories are precious!