december29(at)bellsouth.n
Guest
|
 Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 4:09 pm Post subject: Brake drag on landing |
 |
|
Hi all,
I know that brake drag on landing has been addressed. And some rather novel ways to address it (rudder bar bolt through the pedal, rubber tubing on side of rudder pedal, etc), but experienced something interesting to think about. I hadn't flown my RV-8 in about a month. As a result, had some light surface rust on the brake discs. As I taxied out, I could hear a slight squeaking from the right side. By physically forcing my right heel to the floor and thinking about it, the squeaking stopped. I have always been aware to put my feet on the floor ( to include saying, "Feet on the floor", out loud, on final, to myself), but had inadvertent pressure on the right side anyway. We're talking small pressures here. My recent condition inspection showed no difference in brake pad usage.
I fly commercially and my 'craft has brake temp indicators for each main wheel. Interestingly, my brake temps are always a bit higher on the right side, regardless of wind direction, touchdown side, or braking force. I've wondered about it, but to no conclusion.
Here's what "Dr. Porter" has come up with. I think from driving a car, we may be programmed to think "stop" with our right foot and may drag that foot without knowing it. You then correct with rudder for the problem subconsciously. If you're over six feet and size 12 or above, this could be the answer to any landing directional issues you are having. I don't exactly have any extra legroom in my -8.
I had the best landings I've ever had in my RV after physically (and I mean physically) making sure I'm on the bottom of the pedals. I wouldn't have known it had I not heard the squeaking as I always thought my feet were clear.
We're not talking huge corrections here, just the "polishing the stone" type of stuff, but I offer this as one of those "the light came on" moments after 15K hours of flying. So basic..............almost embarrassing, but you may be doing it subconsciously. My wife is impressed with my big feet................but my RV isn't, ha,ha.
File this in the "for what it's worth" department but thought I'd mention it.
You should see my gloves.................................
John Porter
N802RJ
"Rockin' Robin"
[quote][b]
| | - The Matronics RV8-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV8-List |
|
|
|
Get Email Distribution Too!
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
