What *is* that? I dunno.....

[=LeadPump=]

Well got my rudder pedals in the mail today. My kid asked me what they did. I pretty much made up a story about pointing the plane and gave him the bum's rush.

So in the past I've mostly used these things to line up a shot and get out of spins. I'm thinking there might be more to these than that. Since I'm taking this pilet stuff real serious these days, I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on what else I might do with these. I see they don't come with a heater which would have been cool. Should I expect these things to help me roll, turn, or any of that stuff? Thanks, LP

[FLS]

The short answer is you use them to keep the ball centered.  Hence the expression "step on the ball". If the ball is off to the left you push the left pedal to correct it. This keeps your aircraft pointing where it's going.

By keeping the fuselage aligned with your flight path you will have less drag and more stability. Most of the time you'll trim for this condition but temporary corrections are made with the pedals. You can also use the pedals to misalign your aircraft for various reasons.

If you really want to learn pilot stuff here's a link to a great site.

http://www.monmouth.com/~jsd/how/

--)-FLS----
Musketeers

[Andy Bush]

LP

We'll have a new article up at SimHQ soon. The first part will cover the rudder in detail. Look for it in about two weeks or so.

Andy

[Kweassa]

Rudders are used for maneuvering aircraft on the ground too!

[Hamish]

here is a link to a very good artical on rudders. (Yes i know it's a "WB" link, but the practical application is what's important)



http://www.furball.warbirdsiii.com/krod/worr-rudders.html

Hamish!