Applying What I've Learned (Post 3)

     I've think I've got it... Flying, that is.

     I've taken short flights, usually circling and airfield, and I've got some interesting flights, which I'll post later. I'll also be doing a vlog of my setup a bit later- so stay tuned for that! 

      Alright, onto the progress. I've taken out each aircraft for a varying number of flights, as well as taking out a few other aircraft I was curious in, just for fun. 

     First, the IL-2 Sturmovik. It's an incredibly easy aircraft to fly, just as I predicted! It's slow, so you have time to react to the aircraft's movements. However, while this aircraft is easy to learn, I feel that it's slowness to react will be a big hindrance later when flying combat missions. After all, when being attacked you want to move out of the way fast. If my escorts do their job, however, it should be fine. 

P-47 'Thunderbolt'

     Next, I took out the B-25, the one I though would be the easiest to fly undamaged.Nope, far from it, for a couple of different reasons. I assumed that the B-25 would have counter-rotating engines, meaning that all torque would be cancelled out, making a very smooth flight. However, both engines on the B-25 rotate in the same direction, meaning that there is a ton of torque acting upon the aircraft, making it very difficult to fly. In addition, if you use your ailerons, the control surfaces on the wings, at all during takeoff or landing, your risk spinning the aircraft out of control, sending it into the ground. In addition to this, the aircraft is heavier than the IL-2, meaning it reacts even slower. Although, once it's in the air it's much, much easier to control, and is a very stable aircraft once you get your trim set up. Despite many attempts, this is the one aircraft I can't land without breaking something, or someone... 

P-51   Size Comparison   BF-109

     Finally, the BF-109, the aircraft I expected to be the most difficult to fly, is easier than the B-25. It has a high wing loading and is a fairly small aircraft, meaning that at high speeds the aircraft is incredibly nimble. However, these same characteristics mean that the aircraft looses lift over the wings at a low speed, causing it to stall at lower speeds. The result is high takeoff and landing speeds, making it difficult to land and takeoff.

BF-109 with humans for scale

     If this was the only issue with the BF-109, it would be the easiest plane by far. However, unlike the IL-2, an attacker, or the B-25, a bomber, the BF-109 is a fighter. This means that I'll have to compete with other aircraft, a duel to the death. Shooting at a stationary or slow-moving target on the ground is one thing, but shooting at a high-speed target that's actively trying to kill you is something else entirely. However, I look forward to the challenge! 

Landing is Hard!

   

Side note: After reading this I realize that there is some vocab that may be useful. Here's a link to a glossary of aviation terms. If you can't answer a question through that, feel free to ask.
http://www.aviation-terms.com/
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Comments:
Eric L. - Whittling
Evan K.- Insanity!
Josh C.- Improv