rectracts vs. fixed gear

[Wayne Galligan]

So far all the pros n cons for the type of gear one use here has been either asthetic or easy of use.   What if any differences are there aerodynamicaly between the two?  Does the retract hole in the wing effect flow over the wing? Does the fixed gear hanging down effect overall trim or handling? Obviously it dosent effect the planes that much since a majority of the top pilots are flying fixed gear. Could be the fact that we have more power to pull these airships as compared to the sleek missles of the 70's and 80's so drag isnt an issue.

Smooth FLying...

Wayne G.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Anthony Abdullah 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 2:41 PM
  Subject: Re: fixed gear vs. retracts


  George I must agree with you, I love my retracts and have not had a problem with them on any pattern plane in years. I fly from one of the roughest landfill fields in the country and still have very few problems. It is true I don't taxi about with them, but that minor inconvenience is more than made up for by the considerable Cool Factor! One of the reasons I got into pattern was the sleek gear up passes that I saw Mike Klein making with his pattern planes. When we have fun flys one of the biggest attractions is my Epicure II breaking ground and immediately sucking up the gear. Personally I get a little mental boost from retracts. A smooth graceful takeoff followed by immediately retracting the gear coupled with a shallow climb out kind of serves notice that what follows is going to be special. When the gear is up I have my game face on and I'm all business. When the gear comes down for landing that is my cue to exhale and finally relax and set up for landing. It just makes so much sense to me. I know none of these are engineering or aerodynamic reasons for retracts, but that is the part of pattern that is art and not science. Has nothinig to do with weight or convenience, just makes the plane special. 
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