On Thursday, January 23, 2014 8:18:36 AM UTC-6, kirk.stant wrote:
A question for all you aero majors out the when pulling up at high speed, should you lead with the flaps, or follow with them?

Flaps are to follow lift coefficient. As lift coefficient goes up, flaps go down. For absolute lowest drag, flaps should go down as you pull, then go back up once you are on the climbing path. A bit more negative than they would be at the current speed, as you are at less than 1 g. As you round off on the top, flaps go to the 1 g position for your current airspeed. Similarly, as you push over to leave, flaps should go negative, as you are lower lift coefficient. Set them to match speed as you reach your desired cruise.

Watch Champions of the Wave. I think it is cockpit video of Uli Schwenk in his 22. Watch his hand and the flaps as he pushes and pulls.

As to lead or follow, it has been shown that you can control pitch with flaps. But, it is also known that the elevator is a much better way to control pitch. I say, use the elevator, follow as close as you like with the flaps. For me, I don't pull hard enough to warrant pulling the flaps down in a pull. My hand is on the handle, and as I slow down, the flaps move from full negative to where I want them when I round out on top.

Steve
ZS