Bob,
Scary is right! Glad you missed the tower.
Dale
----- Original Message -----
From: "ROBERT LINDSAY" <rlindsa2@san.rr.com>
Subject: Europa-List: AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF
>
> I have to share this scary tale with you. It shows what can happen with
> just the tiniest absence of vigilance. Perhaps it will help you avoid the
> careless move I made recently.
>
> I've been flying for over fifty years with thousands of hours in the air
> and hundreds in various models of Europa, including a half dozen first
> flights.
>
> While preparing for a solo flight in a tri-gear on a gusty day, I taxied
> downwind for takeoff on runway 09 at Ramona (KRNM) in San Diego county,
> California. Winds were about 060/20 kts and with little rudder
> effectiveness I used the brakes for directional control. After pre
> takeoff checks (including control movement) I twisted my body around in
> the cockpit to check for landing traffic. As I did so, my right foot
> inadvertently came off the right rudder pedal and was then resting against
> the firewall bulkhead.
>
> The tower cleared me for takeoff and an immediate left turn after
> airborne. As I taxied into takeoff position, I applied what I thought was
> full right rudder. Not unexpected, considering the wind, right brake was
> needed to line up and also during steady power increase for takeoff. What
> was surprising was the rudder did not appear to become effective as I
> accelerated. Perhaps I was experiencing a directional wind shift or a
> strong gust.
>
> Lots of right brake was required, slowing my acceleration. Slowly
> approaching unstick speed and not feeling I had control on the ground, I
> went full throttle (Jabiru 3300 with climb prop) and rotated at minimum
> controllable airspeed to get into the air where I was sure I could control
> things.
>
> Wow, what a ride! The combination of not using any more right brake, the
> full power left turning tendency and the strong weather-cocking wind
> resulted in an exciting immediate heading change of about 45 degrees to
> port. On the flying edge, I got airborne and passed between the control
> tower and a hangar, picking up a few flowers on the way. I asked the
> tower if that left turn after takeoff was immediate enough and also just
> what are they reading for current wind. They replied it was about 060/20
> kts and sensing something was wrong, did I want an immediate landing. I,
> of course, declined. I first needed to find out what was wrong with the
> rudder system. While climbing, the ball was out to the right and I was
> pressing hard on the "right rudder". I checked the left rudder and the
> ball went further right. In a flash I it all made sense--I had been
> pushing hard on the firewall beneath my right foot!
>
>
> LESSON LEARNED: Europa rudder pedals are of minimum size which allows us
> to extend our legs between the pedals for comfort while cruising--a
> desirable feature--but........
> So how will I prevent this from happening again? Easy. When I'm all
> lined up ready to apply full takeoff power I will quickly pulse the rudder
> in both directions to ensure proper foot placement.
>
> You fly safely! Bob
>
>
>
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