Jetguy
Well Known Member
Before I begin this thread let's look back at another thread call, "Flying Technique". The thread discussed suggested takeoff techniques and took off like a rocket with lots of debate over the lifting the nose of the RV12 as soon as possible for better control in a cross wind. Well I'm going to show you another reason for using what I like to call the, "Modified softfield takeoff and softfield landing Technique". Lower maintenance and less stress on the WD-1230 Nose Fork and the tubular Nose Strut.
The Scenario!
RV12 First Flight June 2010. Total time airframe 558 hours. Plane used extensively in transition training. Hundreds of takeoffs and landings. Vans has been notified and has seen the pics.
Observations!
IMHO there is no flaw in the design, just what you would find in a training environment. The info posted here is for other RV12 pilots to think about and watch for if they let their nose wheel plop down over many many landings versus holding the nose off as in a SoftField landing and continuing to hold the nose wheel off as long as possible until Horizontal Stab lift is loss due to low airspeed on roll out. Again this technique for both Takeoffs and Landings will make for less stress and lower maintenance over the life of the Aircraft. Also think of the damage that would occur to the Aircraft if this had not been found prior to complete failure. Furthermore I recognize that in certain weather conditions that this technique may not be feasible.
You make the Call
Front top right side of nose fork.
Lower front right side of Nose Fork. Ruler included in pics for scale.
The Scenario!
RV12 First Flight June 2010. Total time airframe 558 hours. Plane used extensively in transition training. Hundreds of takeoffs and landings. Vans has been notified and has seen the pics.
Observations!
IMHO there is no flaw in the design, just what you would find in a training environment. The info posted here is for other RV12 pilots to think about and watch for if they let their nose wheel plop down over many many landings versus holding the nose off as in a SoftField landing and continuing to hold the nose wheel off as long as possible until Horizontal Stab lift is loss due to low airspeed on roll out. Again this technique for both Takeoffs and Landings will make for less stress and lower maintenance over the life of the Aircraft. Also think of the damage that would occur to the Aircraft if this had not been found prior to complete failure. Furthermore I recognize that in certain weather conditions that this technique may not be feasible.
You make the Call
Front top right side of nose fork.
Lower front right side of Nose Fork. Ruler included in pics for scale.