Quote Originally Posted by Frank Giger View Post
Hey, I did!
Sorry, Frank, I missed it. You are correct.

As for complexity (airplanes with speedbrakes), yes it does add a level of complexity ... and look at all the "world's greatest pilots" that have left the gear in the wrong position. But some airplanes have a hard time going down and slowing down at the same time. I would put Bob's airplane in this category.

Heck, even my Cessna P172D with 40 degrees of flaps was great; one could get it in anywhere. Flaps going from 30 to 40 only added drag. Note: Cessna got rid of the 40 degree flaps because people tried to "missed approach" climb with the airplane in that configuration. Personally, I would have the speed brakes as either "out" or "in" (no intermediate positions).

Many sailplanes on the other hand replace a throttle handle with a speed brake handle. It works the same way though ... forward for fast (brakes stowed) and aft to slow (boards out). In that case, some kind of speed brake device is required.

Bottom line: I agree with KISS.