On 2/19/2015 8:57 AM, John H. wrote:
On Thu, 19 Feb 2015 08:27:55 -0500, Wayne.B wrote:

On Thu, 19 Feb 2015 06:38:02 -0500, Stick Left-Steer Left
wrote:

On Wed, 18 Feb 2015 22:42:36 -0500, Wayne.B wrote:

On Wed, 18 Feb 2015 21:15:04 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

The term "seat of the pants" in flying doesn't refer to physical input
data. It refers to flying naturally without having to think about
every step you are taking. I was never very good at it.

===

I understand your point but I always thought "seat of the pants"
flying referred mostly to banking the plane at the right angle for the
turn radius, i.e., banking it so that you don't slide in your seat one
way or the other.

I would think that the butt's reaction to banking an airplane would be the same as
the reaction to banking a motorcycle. The force is directly into the seat, so no
sliding occurs.

===

Thats the ideal situation, zero lateral G forces. Apparently that
happens automagically on a motorcycle just like it seems to on a fast
moving boat. On an airplane it's entirely possible to be banked at
the wrong angle for the rate of turn.

Yup, you're right. I suppose a hard rudder with no banking would have you sliding in
the seat.



I think I've mentioned this before but here's a personal example of
"seat of the pants" flying:

Plymouth airport has two runways, one running South/North, the other
East/West. they cross each other in the middle.

I was returning from a scenic flight and was in the downwind leg of the
active runway. I turned base, then final, announcing my positions and
intentions on the radio. As I lined up in the final I noticed a larger,
twin engined airplane also in his final but lined up for the inactive
runway.

Plymouth is not a controlled airport but there are usually people there
watching what is going on and monitoring activity. They called out to
the larger plane at about the same time that I saw him. The larger
plane had not announced his intentions or position previously that I
know of. He was advised he was on final to an inactive runway and
traffic was landing (me) on the active. No response.

They then called me and asked me to hold "short" upon landing.

I briefly thought of aborting and pulling up but realized the other
guy might do the same thing and we'd hit 100 feet above the runways
instead of on them.

I executed a beautiful slow speed, full flaps landing, literally
stalling the Cessna just over the numbers. It literally fell the last
foot to the ground and probably rolled no more than 30 feet. Even I was
impressed.

Received a "thank you, good job" from the guy in the tower. The guy in
the other plane received a request to meet the airport manager after
parking.

That's "seat of the pants" flying.