"Bob Martin" wrote in message
...
I got to thinking the other day on the way to work... would it be feasable
to implement:

1. A set of speedbrakes, say on the fuselage of something like an RV-6,
operated by a parking-brake style handle (where the flap handle currently
is, necessitating electric flaps)? Could be useful if you need to lose
altitude in a hurry or if you get too close to redline during maneuvers.

2. Direct lift control, a la L-1011 or F-14. Basically you put spoilers
on the wing, then rig them up so that on approach they deploy a few
degrees. Then, you can raise them further for a second to compensate for
being high, or stow them if you're low. Avoids having to make pitch
changes or power corrections, depending on how you fly approaches. AFAIK,
such a system was integrated into the controls on said aircraft; I was
thinking a simple "arm" switch that deploys the spoilers a few degrees,
then a slider switch on the stick for the adjustment.

Anchor on a rope???

Rich S. )