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Old 08-31-2010 | 11:00 PM
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I-NAV
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From: Mililani, HI
Default RE: U-2 landing problems

Thanks all,
What you're saying makes sense. I'll run the numbers. I have 3.5 lbs of fuel sitting on the CG at takeoff. Last flight I moved the CG a bit forward and deployed the flaps to about 40 degrees on approach (10mm up elevator trim compensation). The approach was rock steady, but it wouldn't round out when I attempted to flair. Ploughed in nose first with the stick in my lap.. Either the flaps are blanking out the stab or it's the pitch change you mentioned. Elevator throws are only 10 mm either way so CG must be pretty far aft. I'm thinking about trying a Gyro on the elevator to dampen the pitch and limit flap travel to 25 degrees for the next flight - it's going to land long though..

Also,
I ran the numbers and have a question (2):

Confirm "Y" is HALF the distance from the fuselage longitudnal centerline to the tip?

Does the sweep on the trailing edge matter?