M. B. wrote:
Anybody know what the max trap of a Spad was? Don't know much about this
bird but I walk past one every day. Seems like it would've been a good
airplane.

-MB

"Max Trap" what?

Weight?

Whipping out my trusty AD-4/AD-4Q Pilot's Handbook . . .

I note that in the section "Normal Operating Instructions" on page
19:

c. The maximum recommended gross weights for various operations are as
follows:
Landing, smooth paved runways - 19,000 lbs.
Landing, rough runways - 16,800 lbs.
Catapulting - 19,500 lbs.
Arrested Landing (pilot's qualified with AD aircraft) - 17,000 lbs.
Carrier qualification landing - 15,600 lbs.

Speed?

Also on page 19, under Airspeed Limitation-(Knots-IAS) for lowering
landing flaps, the speed listed is 130 knots.

On page 20 there is a brief discussion of carrier landing aimed at
limiting damage to the airframe:

"l. In the interest of minimizing the severity of carrier landings
from the standpoint of lessening vertical impact loads upon the
airframe structure, and to as great an extent as may be practicable and
consistent with all other factors that determine the manner in which
carrier landings shall be made, it is urged that any combination of
conditions resulting in a high "cut" height and a low airspeed at the
time of "cut" be avoided. The following conditions for carrier landings
are recommended:
(a) The height above the deck at the time of "cut" should not be
greater than 25 feet.
(b) The airspeed at the time of "cut" should not be less than 12
knots above power-off stalling speed.
(c) In general, carrier landing approach should be slightly fast and
flat. Properly flared landings substantially reduce the severity of
landing loads. Fully stalled landing should be avoided.
m. Adherence to the above recommendations and restrictions is
mandatory."

And on page 29 there is:

2-74. APPROACH.
2-75. DESCENT.
a. Landing gross weight - Refer to paragraph 2-2c.
b. Shoulder harness and safety belt - "LOCKED."
c. Tail wheel-"LOCK" (for field)-"UNLOCK" (for carrier).
d. Fuel booster pump - "ON."
e. Fuel selector - "MAIN."
f. Horizontal stabilizer - "NOSE UP" as required.
g. Trim tabs - As desired.
h. Cowl flaps-"AUTO."
i. Check oil cooler door switch - "AUTO."
j. Mixture - "RICH."
k. Supercharger - "LOW" blower and locked.
1. Dive brakes - "CLOSE."
m. Master armament switch - "OFF."
n. Gun charger switch - "OFF."
o. Carburetor air - "DIRECT."

NOTE
Do not return from "ALTERNATE" air to "DIRECT" air for approach or
landing under icing conditions.

p. Propeller - 2400 rpm.
q. Cockpit canopy - Locked "OPEN."
r. Exterior lights - "DIM" for night carrier landings to prevent
blinding the landing signal officer.

2-76. FINAL APPROACH.

NOTE
Lower wheels and flaps when IAS is below 130 knots (150 mph).

a. Landing gear control - "WHEELS DOWN." Check wheels and flaps
position indicator for full down and latched position.

NOTE
A red light in the landing gear control handle will come on and remain
on until all three gears are in the latched down position.

b. Wing flaps control - As described for landing conditions (see
paragraph 2-77). Note position of flaps on wheels and flaps position
indicator. Leave control at "DOWN" for flaps full down; return control
from "DOWN" to "STOP" when flaps reach desired partial down position.
c. Make a normal approach at approximately 75 to 80 knots (86 to 92
mph) IAS.

2-77. LANDING.

2-78. NORMAL LANDINGS.

2-79. SHORE LANDINGS. Use flaps as desired. Full flaps (40°) should
normally be used. Lesser flap settings will result in increased landing
speed, and hence increased ground run.

2-80. CARRIER LANDINGS. Lower the arresting hook. Full flaps (40°)
should be used for all carrier landings. Standard carrier approach and
landing procedures should be followed.



And the power off stalling speeds mentioned above can be found on the
chart on page 61 and if you can stand an eyeball interpretation:

Gross Weight / Stall Speed Flaps/Gear Up
12000 / 75.5 kts
13000 / 79 kts
14000 / 82 kts
15000 / 84.5 kts
16000 / 87.5 kts
17000 / 90 kts
18000 / 92.5 kts

Gross Weight / Stall Speed Flaps 25 Gear Down
12000 / 69 kts
13000 / 72 kts
14000 / 75 kts
15000 / 77.5 kts
16000 / 80 kts
17000 / 82.5 kts
18000 / 85 kts

Gross Weight / Stall Speed Flaps Full Gear Down
12000 / 66 kts
13000 / 68 kts
14000 / 71.5 kts
15000 / 73.5 kts
16000 / 76.5 kts
17000 / 78 kts
18000 / 80 kts


Hope this helps.

Regards,

Rich