fscott,
"These were well trained pilots and most of them probably much better pilots right out of the academy than many of you "seasoned" pilots here. The behomoth eninges and props had tremendous torque..
"Is there any data available on the experience level of the pilots actually involved in F4U takeoff incidents (or any other behemoth engined hi-torque monster)? Is there a breakdown by flying time or experience?
Is there any data on how many such incidents happened per thousand sorties or whatever? In other words, is the a takeoff/torque accident per sortie
rate?
Is there any data on takeoff/torque incident rates compared by training commands (flight school) versus combat commands (combat missions)?
Here's my point: All we really have is stories about using lots of rudder.
We also have proof that some guys "screwed the pooch" on T/O and did crash. We do NOT really have any idea how common that was. We KNOW that 100,000's of fully loaded combat missions were flown in these planes...without takeoff incidents. In fact the vast majority of the missions must have taken off without a hitch or there'd be much more documentation.
Now, I'll stick my neck out here, as one who has flown a lot of different types of airplanes, and give an opinion. Once you get to be pretty good at flying, the differences in airplane/engine/torque are a lot less important than making sure you are simply paying attention to the job at hand.
It's the old joke about how to fly: The planes are all the same. Pull back and the houses get smaller, push forward and the houses get bigger again. Once you know how to do it...you pretty much know how to do it.
Now, I'm not saying that some of these AH planes shouldn't exhibit more "pull" on T/O. That depends; it depends A LOT on variables. Are you easing the throttle in? Are you keeping the tailwheel firmly down on the pavement early in the T/O run? Are you letting the airspeed build up until you get some vert stab/rudder effectiveness before you lift the tailwheel?
I never really had problems with AH T/O's even in the very first release of the beta, the one that got a reputation for being difficult. I used RL techniques though.
Beyond that, and this is a KEY point, even if new research and programming revisions do result in a change to the FM and "pull", the pilots in here will SOON master it.
This group is highly talented with a good understanding of actual flying techniques for the most part. So, we might have stronger characteristics on T/O but for 98% of the guys it will still be a non-issue.
Lastly, please.... HT has answered your question. He's as much as said it will be reinvestigated.
Can we let it rest for a while?
It doesn't really factor into whether the game is fun or not, does it? It will come when it comes...and it WILL come.
We'll still be flying and having a blast before and after the next change.
Thanks.
