CAFE Flight Evaluation Results Summary

Test Pilot’s Comments:

Mustang II:

• "Having flown a variety of other similar airplanes and previously submitted reports on the RV-6A and the Tailwind, it is my opinion that the Mustang II has one of the best stick force gradients for all-around flying"
• "The Mustang II gives the feel of lightness on the controls, yet is not an airplane that you have to watch constantly to keep it under control in bank. The airplane tends to stay in the existing attitude unless control inputs cause it to change."
• "In flaps up configuration, the stall occurred abruptly with virtually no aerodynamic buffeting or warning. The nose just crisply and abruptly pitched down with mild left wing drop. The recovery was instantaneous with the release of stick back pressure. The aircraft did not have wing leading edge stall strips which are often used to produce stick shake or buffeting as a stall warning."

RV-6A:

• "The stick force gradient is rather shallow with much more push force required during an acceleration of 50 mph than pull force during a deceleration of 50 mph. This is probably influenced by power effects. However, the pilot must pay attention to airspeed when decelerating because he will get little notice from the change in the stick force."
• "All stalls exhibited a crisp break with mild left wing drop. The only buffet occurred 1-2 mph above the stall. Recovery was instantaneous in all cases upon reposition of the stick. The aircraft was not equipped with leading edge stall strips, however, this is a possibility that could be explored to improve the minimal natural stall warning, and improve the overall characteristics."

Tailwind:

• "The results show a change of only 1.45 lb stick force over the entire speed range. This amount of stick force is considered extremely light. An inexperienced pilot may find it difficult to fly with so little feedback. A temporary lack of attention, even by a more experienced pilot, could result in a dangerous loss of airspeed control."
• "There was a very pleasant and mild aerodynamic buffet with onset 4-5 mph above stall, and it increased to the point of stall. All stalls broke straight ahead with neither wing wanting to stall ahead of the other. Recovery occurred with the slightest bit of power or relaxation of stick backpressure."