Focus Spins?
 

Hi Don

Had two PERFECT days for flying here this weekend :) mid 70's sunny and ZERO wind. I just had to go flying. Did some pratice on my snaps and spins. I've almost always used full ail/rud/elev on my spins but lately I've tried doing them with just elev rudder. I noticed today that the Focus would spin very well to the left with just rudder and elev but would not spin right , it would just sort of fly right out of the spin, any ideas why?

RE: Focus Spins?
 

Try adding about 10 percent more right rudder; just on high rate so it will not interfere with your point rolls, etc on low rate. That is assuming you have equal rudder deflection starting off.

I can't comment more since I use some ailerons in my spins. You bring up an excellent point though, thinking a few more seconds on it... My Focus (I've been told) spins faster one way than the other. One judge told me he downgraded me for it at the last contest in September. I did not say anything to him to correct him until after the last flight, since I did not want to change his judging standard mid-contest. Technically the spin rate does not have to be the same both ways in this last FAI maneuver.

Having said that though, again you bring up an excellent point Try adding the extra right rudder rate and see what happens (that is if there are any more great days in the forseeable future).

P.S. I had increased my rudder throw (both directions) on high rate as a result of a couple of flopped stall turns at a practice session in October. This helped my positive upline snap to the right (was not as they are to the left). I think its the same factor coming into play. The extra rudder and aileron will help the spin speeds be more constant.

Again, I thank you for your observations and will do a little testing on my end as well to see what happens.

Cause? Who knows... maybe its all that negative incidence I've got in the left wing? What's your incidece set at?

Don

RE: Focus Spins?
 

Don I've no idea about the incidence but I'll find out. This is my buddy's plane that I'm using to pratice untill my plane is ready. I have to fix the cowl mounts that came loose Sunday so I'll have it blocked up on the table and check it.