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Hogey74
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Pushers, Canards and Diesel Rotary Engines - why?
from Hogey74
wrote 2 years 45 weeks ago
Some great posts here.
I like the questions because I like all those things! I've sketched plenty of designs that involve all three.
My understanding is that there is some benefit to having the pusher slipstream undisturbed by fuselage, nacelle etc. I am sure the best pusher design is still out there but the consensus is pretty clear. They just look right IMO but boring convention makes so much sense in other regards. Maybe mounting them on stalks like the engines in bizjets?
I love canards but the really nice turbo 4 seaters are not getting any more speed than a mooney, and less that the best lancairs. The Piaggio Avanti looks and goes well however.
Rotaries have always appealed to me but as noted, no one has been able to take advantage of their simplicity by working backwards from the desired rev range, in the same way that has been achieved with plenty of reciprocating engines. Anything really is possible I believe but something else may come along like super dooper batteries and a lot of this will evaporate.
all the best John
Is flying really safer than driving?
from Hogey74
wrote 2 years 9 weeks ago
A great old discussion!
I can't cite references but my understanding is that GA overall is about as safe a motorcycling. That's how it was described to me at uni in 2007. Take out the usual higher-risk groups though and the numbers look a lot better. Part of that is that the per centage of accidents that are human error apparently sit consistently at around 70%.
As for GA vs RPT - I think its a no-brainer and I like the measure mentioned above - safe flights per fatal hull-loss. Despite that, I am impressed with the OPs willingness to shake down the numbers and exercise initiative.
Richard Collins is the Guru! A term I'm sure he would hate but it's true.
Thanks, John in Brisbane
Is flying really safer than driving?
from Hogey74
wrote 2 years 9 weeks ago
Also just to add ... with the exception of twin engine training, I think the training period is very safe and that it's the initial few hundred hours that are the most dangerous, particularly for people who can't fly enough hours to retain proficiency.
thanks, John in Brisbane
The Feared downwind turn
from Hogey74
wrote 1 year 7 weeks ago
It is a bit head-ache inducing but the truth is that in the case of manoeuvring within a uniform parcel of air, irrespective of whether it is moving relative to the ground or not, your turn does not involve a longitudinal acceleration. The proof is in the IAS though - if anyone is doubting it, check this next chance you get. Turn into and away from the wind and watch the ASI.
I think the confusion here (and I have had it too) is probably more likely to hit people with sailing experience. In that case you are operating at the interface of the water and wind but your vessel is moving through the water. Turning into or away from the the wind has an immediate and noticeable effect.
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