steves@tektools.UUCP (steve shellans) (07/24/85)
I recall question(s) on the net about a week ago regarding what keeps the plane up during slow rolls and 'knife-edge' flight. Someone replied to the effect that since the axis of the plane is angled upward during these maneuvers, there is a component of downward thrust from the prop, and that the fuselage acts as a lifting body. Probably true, but another factor which is very important (and possibly most important), is the rudder. For good control full top rudder is required in the Cessna Aerobat which I fly. The Aerobat does not have sufficient rudder for sustained knife-edge flight, incidentally.