Hi Ron, I wouldn't.
As a practical matter, the question is not unlike discussing the difference between poisons. One must survive before further discussion is possible or of use. Flutter in the Ercoupe is almost always the result of improper maintenance or a severe lack of maintenance. It happens "at speed". If it is understood that the situation can very rapidly progress (mentally) from a pilot's trying to identify the cause of a new sound or sensation to disintegration, it is obvious that one needs a conditioned response that is rapid and effective. You need to (1) load the surface and (2) slow down. These steps should (1) stop the flutter and (2) prevent it from recurring immediately so as to (a) save your butt and (b) save the plane so you can (c) locate and correct all tensions or excessive "slop" in controls that make flutter possible. If it is the elevator, there are two choices...go up or go down. Going down increases speed (and flutter severity, so immediately rotate the bird into an aggressive climb and reduce power. These acts should be brief such that the nose can be lowered without buildup of speed or a whip-stall. The emergency part of the flight should be over, and it should be possible to reach a nearby airport at 60-65MPH TAS without flutter. Regards, WRB -- On Apr 15, 2009, at 17:16, Ronald Hynes wrote: > > > Would anyone care to comment on whether there might be a difference > with respect elevator flutter when equipped with a split elevator > compared to original flat elevator ? > [assuming same tension in both aircraft types] > Ron Hynes, Alberta canada
