In this case the NTSB is wrong!

With the elevator disconnected the run of the control rods are not connected
to the flying surface. Therefore the mass balance of the system is different
to that which was certified, the trim system is also disconnected!
Definately *not* the same as just removing the pilots hand from the stick!

:-)

PS: I'll bet that they don't comment on whether having the mainpin in or not
makes the aircraft *flyable* either!

Ian


"nowhere" wrote in message
m...
Yes, according to Peter Garrison's "Aftermath" column in the November
issue of "Flying" you don't need to connect your elevator control! I
quote: "the NTSB report does not comment on the fact that a
disconnected elevator does not make an ASW-20, or for that matter any
other airplane, unflyable. The situation is aerodynamically no
different from what occurs when the pilot removes his hand from the
stick."

I think I'll start leaving the elevators off my ASW-15 now. Imagine
how the reduction in drag will improve the performance! Not having to
worry about pitch control will certainly cut down on the cockpit
workload as well. The benefits are endless!