[NSRCA-discussion] Wheel Pants Yes or No

[Fred Huber]

Wheel pants are an aerodynamic aid, reducing drag of the wheels a suprizing amount.  They also look cool. ;)

The plane would be expected to need slightly different elevator trim if you delete the wheel pants.  because the issue is a difference in coeficient of drag of the wheel, the effect will be speed dependant.

In essence you expect to need more up trim as the plane goes faster due to the landing gear not being retractable.  The wheel pants REDUCE the amount of trim change due to speed, but do not eliminate it.  

Retracts with close fitting doors that completely cover the wheel wells (like a full scale P-51) virtually eliminates the landing gear drag, thus eliminating a source of speed related trim change.

OK... there's the theory...

Practicly speaking, wheel pants have weight (can be a factor in meeting weight limit) and they can be a royal pain to keep on straight.  Some models will trim out fine with or without the wheel pants.  Some the trim difference will be significant.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Roy M Medina 
  To: NSRCA Mailing List 
  Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 5:01 PM
  Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Wheel Pants Yes or No


  I am flying my Evolis XXL in a outdoor carpet runway.  Field is showing age with many holes that easily snag the wheel pants while taxing.  I am putting 70mm wheels now without any pants.  Just wondering what everyone else is doing on wheel pants yes or no. Is there any advantage in performing the routines with pants.  Given the various type of fields out there maybe some fellow Bush pilots might have some Ideas.

  Roy M


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