Stability and Control characteristics of the Early Mark Spitfires

[IvanK]

Originally Posted by Crumpp

I would not want to be in this situation with an aircraft that is neutral or unstable as you want to be able to pull precisely and quickly to the maximum acceleration the airframe can handle while reducing power.

We have had this discussion before on the "nibble", too. If you are in the nibble, you are NOT flying a maximum performance constant altitude turn.

What does that have to do with the ability of a pilot to precisely fly to the nibble and precisely back off to smooth air in order to maximize his aircraft's turn performance?

Its not a case of not "wanting" to be in the situation... Operational pilots often find themselves in situations they dont want to be in. The question put was quite specific, a Spitfire MKI no AOA gauges no accelerometers just you the pilot and your basic airframe.

How do you propose to "back off from the nibble" and by exactly how much? especially in an aeroplane with such lack of precision in the pitch circuit as you imply throughout this thread ? Your life is hanging in the balance, what cue do you have in your Spit MKI that you are doing your best ?

I think all thats going to happen with your technique is the "crump" sound as the Spitfire MKI impacts Terra firma. If you think you can back off the buzz/tickle/nibble and guarantee where you really are you are dreaming ! .... thats why buzz/tickle/nibble feel is taught to Miltary pilots world wide.