Bob,

Thank you very much for your tailplane stall explanation. We
attended a Wing Safety Seminar last November on Winter Operations where
it was mentioned but only in term of symptoms and recovery process. I
did not realize that there would be more chance of a tailplane stall
than wing stall due to heavier ice accumulation.

Before landing, I had discussed with my husband, Rick on whether I
should have landed with no flaps or with 10 degree flap. Since the
standard Cardinal takeoff procedure calls for 10 degree flap, we
thought it would provide more lift. We did not think of the possiblity
of tailplane stall. Although I had practiced landings with different
flap configurations every few months, I generally dislike the noflap
approach due to extremely nose high position. I hate not being able to
see a darn thing ahead while landing. The practices did come in handy
late last fall in our long cross country trip from New York to northern
Minnesota. Within an hour of flying, we had complete electrical
failuires due to a bad crimp job on one ot the alternator wires. We
have owned our plane for about 1 1/2 years and put over 200hrs on it.
It was our luck that we landed at Seaman airport and the folks at O&N
aviation (the home of the Silver Eagle) were open on Saturday. They
found the problem right away and get us going within few hours. The
owner did not write up a bill and told us just to give a tip to his
mechanics. Fantastic folks!. (Note to Jay: In our short flying
career, this was our first 'emergency' situation, the icing incidence
was the second. Luckily ;-) , I was the PIC in both cases and Rick
mainly offered assistance and did not insist on taking over. Just
wonder how you and Mary handle your flying responsibilities?).

On an aside note, for our instrument training, I bought at least
half a dozen books on the subject. Rick was ahead of me so he had
reviewed all of them. His main text book was your book, "The Complete
Advanced Pilot". He got 98 on his written and recommend me to start
right away with your book using others as supplemental readings. We
have also made good use of your "Say Again, Please" book. Thank you so
much for imparting your years of aviation skills, experiendce, wisdom
and insight to many next generations of pilots.
Best regards,
Hai Longworth