P38 Opinions

[Ack-Ack]

Originally posted by Anaxogoras
Say, one more thing about the 38... She can spin!  I had turned the tables on a 51 today that dove on my 6 as I was heading home, and then fell into a ridiculous spin when I tried to pull a deflection shot--> DEAD.   Wow, definitely something to be careful of.  I haven't found any other aircraft in AH to spin like the 38.

If you spun a P-38 and it wasn't due to losing an engine or the flaps auto-retracting while pulling Gs in a turn, then you're ham fisted on the controls.  You really do have to work at throwing the P-38 into a spin.


ack-ack

[Guppy35]

Originally posted by alskahawk
I like hunting low 38s. Just not many around. Seems everytime a new guy trys one some well meaning busybody has to tell him how not to die.

You clearly aren't looking in the right place  then

I hate wasting time climbing.  2K is normal, 5K is high, 10K is a mistake

[Anaxogoras]

the flaps auto-retracting while pulling Gs in a turn

That might very well have caused it.  I had been in a vertical fight with a 51D and one notch of flaps down.  I entered a low yo-yo type maneuver, nose down, and that's when it happened.