wrote in message
ups.com...

It was a long time ago, but I seem to remember being in an Aerobat and
started a loop by diving and getting to maybe 140 kts before the pilot
pulled back. The question nagging at me is, if in something like an
Arrrow or a Mooney, if you were in a cruise at 140 knots would you
have enough speed to pull back into a half loop to make a fast 180
degree change in turn in a tight space?

I suppose I could calculate if one maintained 2 gs worth of
backpressure what would happen (it would be a funny half loop, turn
radius would get tighter and tighter as speed decreases and gravity
started pulling at the tail instead of at the wheels, but real life
experience is better than calculations, if anyone has such experience.


Assuming 140 knots and full power, I think most 4 place singles could
complete an eliptical loop. Your right, maintaining back pressure and
tighting the radius around the top would be necessary, but it could save
your butt in a box canyon or downtown NY.

I have actually done it in a 150, 172 and 182, no problem. But don't try it
without a real emergency or the proper training and equipment. It can also
kill some gyros.