Plane and Pilot

MAY 3, 2025

To some extent this was carried out with the Cherokee, though the key design elementuse of a stabilator in place of a conventional elevator and fixed horizontal stabilizeris likely the influence of John Thorp. Thorp joined the Piper design team during the Cherokees development; his own Sky Scooter used a stabilator.

Approach 73

Approach Airplanes Stability Weight-Shift-Control 73

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

At approximately 30-40 feet agl, the spinning stopped and the helicopter appeared to stabilize for a brief moment before continuing a nose-low, forward descent into the grass north of Runway 28. The operator had a surveillance camera inside the hangar to capture the work and the preflight inspections.

Torque 98

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 98

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

It was 87° F, a density altitude of 7300 feet and we ended up with four people, 120 gallons plus baggage, and we got off in 2400 feet with naturally aspirated engines. From the pilot’s seat it cruises near effortlessly and handles nimbly on land or water with a great combination of stability and modest control pressures.

Airplanes 79

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 79