Date: Mon, 10 Jun 1996 22:47:50 -0100 From: Joe Graham Organization: GEM Technologies Subject: Re: COZY: Aileron gaps Ross Hall wrote: > > The first time the original (orange) Velocity was being flown by a test pilot to test gap seal it experienced deep stall. There's a one-page synopsis of this event in this month's AOPA Pilot Magazine. At least I think it's this flight. It told of how the pilot intentionally "induced" the deep stall and then actually climbed partially out of the cockpit to try to shift the CG forward. He could not break the stall and he rode it all the way down to the ocean and walked (or swam) away from it. Wild stuff.... Date: 11 Jun 96 00:45:13 EDT From: INFINITY Aerospace <72124.347@compuserve.com> Subject: COZY: To Gap Seal or Not to Gap Seal 06/10/96 Hi to All, Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the orange Velocity deep stall was not from closing the gap in the ailerons. The gap in the canard was closed off, AND the aircraft was being tested by a light pilot at the aft and / or aft of the aft CG limits. An interesting test. The contour of the slot between the canard and the elevator is critical as to its smoothness, dimensions, gap, etc., to operate properly. The canard acts, not only as an elevator, but also as a flap at slow speeds. Closing the slot / gap with a seal acts like a 'cup'. The orange Velocity proved this. Many of the canards around here have been flying for years with the aileron gap taped off along the top surface with a flexible clear or white tape that is easily replaced every so often due to cracking, aging, etc. Reports are that roll qualities / effectiveness is increased. As always, HTH. (See Marc P., a short one - HA) From: Ross Hall Subject: RE: COZY: Aileron gaps Date: Tue, 11 Jun 1996 11:17:29 +-1000 The first time the original (orange) Velocity was being flown by a test = pilot to test gap seal it experienced deep stall, landed up in the sea = and was recovered and the pilot was not injured. This was reported in = Kitplanes magazine some years ago. Later deep stall was investigated and = resolved with the Velocity (which is a great aircraft), but there is not = proof that the gap seals did not contribute to deep stall on that test = flight. You can change the aerodynamics by modifying or sealing the gap - be = very careful!!!!!!!!=20 Nick Parkyn ----------