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Aviation History
1941
1941 - 2299.PDF
OCTOBER 2ND, 194I. FLIGHT A PILOT'S IDEAS OF DESIGN : Our contributor expresses a strong preference for the cabin type of elementary trainer, and here shows three layouts which appeal to him. He regards side-by-side seating as essential. In favour (side by side cabin): — 1. It is a great advantage to be able to observe the move- ments and even expressions of an ab initio pupil and for him (or her) to be able to see the instructor. The holding and operation of controls and reactions to manoeuvres can all be gauged more positively. The pupil will gain con- fidence by being able to see that he has full control of the aircraft when the instructor says so. Pupils at first find this hard to believe in a tandem machine. 2. A roomy and warm cockpit is possible without much difficulty to the designer. (Comfort and space are most important in making the pupil feel at ease, thus making for more complete concentration and reduced fatigue.) 3. Direct noimal conversation without the irritation of shouting through tubes and without the expense or encum brance of speaking tube, mouthpiece and helmet. 4. Simpler explanations of instruments, maps and so forth, in the air, and a certainty of co-ordination of readings of main flying and engine dials, the majority being common to both instructor and pupil. 5. No duplication of instruments. (Arising from this are considerations of expense, drain on service stocks, com plication and weight.) :< 6 Elimination of need for special flying clothing. • 7. Ability to deal directly with panic, accident or "freezing up" on the pctrt of the pupil. 8. Good general visibility, and particularly forward visi- bility, for both pupil and instructor. 9- Reproduction of many monoplane characteristics common to service aircraft, without undue reduction of safety or manoeuvrability. 10. Increased efficiency ! over braced biplane. . Possible disadvantages— i. Blind side for instruc- tor or safety pilot, particu- larly during practice of ; instrument flying, and to a lesser degree for the pupil. 2- Tendency always to make turns and other man- oeuvres in one direction. 3' If tandem (or single seat) machines have been flown or are to be flown, there •nay at first be a tendency to fly one wing lo-.v and/or with rudder applied. SIt)E-BY-SIDE BIPLANE :The Blackburn B.2 was an enterprising adventure in all-metal design in pre-mono- plane days. 4. Slight extra difficulty in getting out of a cabin machine in emergency. 5. Forming a habit of looking over one side only when landing. 6. Two nose positions to be learnt for all turns and certain aerobatics. No doubt there are other points which might be raised, and these are certainly answers to the majority of cons mentioned above. Of the other faults which might be cited many will be countered when the suggested design is elaborated. For example, when grouping the instru- ment panel, the blind flying dials must be arranged as nearly as possible to correspond with the service blind flying panel and must be placed squarely in front of the pupil; difficulty is otherwise experienced in judging the exact position of the more sensitive needles, such as the turn needle. The instructor's more oblique view of the dials should be sufficient for his requirements. The com- pass, trimming device, petrol cock (and flap or air brake lever, if fitted) should be centrally disposed. In connection with the aircraft, as opposed to its equip- ment, a very simple single "V" strut bracing should be sufficient for the wings. This must be so placed as to give a minimum interference with cabin doors or entrance and exit from the cockpits. The panels of the cockpit must, wherever possible, be transparent. All main units., such as wings, tail surfaces, undercarriage legs, and engine, should be quickly detachable and inter- changeable in view of the fairly frequent minor accidents which inevitably occur during early flying hours.
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