Thread: -9 Degree flaps

I've been playing with my new CTSW and, like an engineer, going over all the systems thoroughly. I found that if I put the flap switch in manual mode (rotate it through to 9 o'clock postion) then the flaps can be moved up until they hit the limit switch which is more like -9 degrees. The encoder sets the -6 and does not quite hit the switch. This seems to add about 3 Knots to cruise, hypothetically. Is this some unspoken 'easter egg' in the CT flap system? Seems like using this would technically violate the S-LSA Airworthiness Certificate so I can take responses anonymously, off-line, if people would prefer.

Hi Chaniik,

You can use the manual override on the flaps, but allowing it to go to the stop on the minus side may be over stressing the flap motor because it will work against the safety cable. So every time you do this it may lead to early flap motor failure. If the limit switch shut off the motor before the cable went taught then it may not over stress the motor, but I'm fairly sure you are at the cable's end and causing excessive stress on the motor.

Ah, I saw that. The cable is ALMOST taut but not. It only has maybe 1/16th more travel though. I bet if I tried to move the switch/encoder assembly to get -12 it would jam against the cable.

It would jam against the cable and eventually cause the motor to burn out, plus you are only fight worthy up to -6 as prescribed by FD for the US market. Why worry about 2-3 knots? Your instruments aren't that accurate and you can't compare because no two flights are exact.

No argument there. I just thought it interresting that the flaps can be moved up beyond -6 relatively easily.