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  1. #1
    AcroGimp's Avatar
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    Cassutt and Differential Brakes

    Curious if anyone with experience in the Cassutt or similar small high-performance talwheel plane with direct steering can opine on the necessity or not of differential braking. I may be looking at a Cassutt and with my prosthetic am concerned about getting on the toe brakes since I have to move my whole foot, the Cassutt is a bit cramped and the spar carrythrough is on top of your knee as I understand it.

    I might look into rigging a handbrake instead but only if differential brakes are truly unneeded.

    Thanks in advance.

    'Gimp
    Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right.

    EAA Chapter 14, IAC Chapter 36

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  2. #2

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    Since no one has spoken up, I will suggest that you contact Giles Henderson, a well known IAC competitor, who flys one and wrote and article for Sport Aerobatics about the airplane. https://www.iac.org/files/magazines/SA-2013-02.pdf Try ghenderson@eiu.edu

    There also appears to be a Cassutt owners internet forum at http://www.cassutt-racer.com/forums/...208408212de9e4

    Best of luck,

    Wes
    N78PS

  3. #3
    AcroGimp's Avatar
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    Thanks Wes. Giles' article in Sport Aerobatics is part of why I am considering the Cassutt, I'll try him.

    'Gimp
    Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right.

    EAA Chapter 14, IAC Chapter 36

    http://acrogimp.wordpress.com/

  4. #4
    cub builder's Avatar
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    AcroGimp, While the differential brakes in this type of plane is highly desirable, take a look at the Sonex Taildraggers. They use a single hand operated brake and a hard linkage to the steerable, non-swiveling tailwheel. While I wouldn't care much for that configuration, it clearly works as there are a lot of Sonex Taildraggers out there. With a prosthetic, that may be a workable solution for you.

    -CubBuilder

  5. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by cub builder View Post
    They use a single hand operated brake
    So does a Volksplane

  6. #6
    AcroGimp's Avatar
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    Thanks guys, the Sonex is actually what made me think of the 'no differential' braking configuration since like the Sonex the Cassutt uses a direct steer TW. Major difference is that the Cassutt touches down at Sonex cruise speeds (only slightly exaggerating). Giles actually responded and provided a well-reasoned but strongly worded caution against the Cassutt for my situation, but I am getting other indications from other Cassutt pilots that they are not so sure I couldn't handle it - so still researching.

    My desire is for a plane I can campaign in IAC, Sport Air Racing League and possibly IF1 (overachiever), and you just can't beat the fun factor-per-dollar ratio on the Cassutt (Pitts S-1 might come close). My EAA Chapter has a Cassutt III that might be available and that also added to my interest. I am in no hurry as well.

    The challenge is that I usually have to move my entire leg to get my foot onto toe brakes and that could be a big deal at 90 mph in a Cassutt although I was being taught that in a TW plane you don't use the brakes on the runway unless you need to stop right away - but that was in an Extra 300L which I had no difficulty controlling at all (and able to get down and stopped in about 2000 ft).

    We'll see what the next few days present - maybe I can try some taxiing in a Cassutt and get a better feel for how the direct steer TW and powerful rudder (effectve from ~20 kts according to race pilot Jay Jones) work together.

    Thanks for the input!

    'Gimp
    Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right.

    EAA Chapter 14, IAC Chapter 36

    http://acrogimp.wordpress.com/

  7. #7
    cluttonfred's Avatar
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    I have always like the Cassutt and don't want to discourage you if that's what you really want, but there are certainly other options for getting started in aerobatics or racing. The Sonerai I was a world speed record holder in the < 300 kg class (over 290 mph!) and was, of course, designed for Formula V racing and makes a good entry-level aerobatic plane with the right fuel and oil system. The landing speed is a lot easier to handle than a Cassut.

    Quote Originally Posted by AcroGimp View Post
    Thanks guys, the Sonex is actually what made me think of the 'no differential' braking configuration since like the Sonex the Cassutt uses a direct steer TW. Major difference is that the Cassutt touches down at Sonex cruise speeds (only slightly exaggerating). Giles actually responded and provided a well-reasoned but strongly worded caution against the Cassutt for my situation, but I am getting other indications from other Cassutt pilots that they are not so sure I couldn't handle it - so still researching.

    My desire is for a plane I can campaign in IAC, Sport Air Racing League and possibly IF1 (overachiever), and you just can't beat the fun factor-per-dollar ratio on the Cassutt (Pitts S-1 might come close). My EAA Chapter has a Cassutt III that might be available and that also added to my interest. I am in no hurry as well.

    The challenge is that I usually have to move my entire leg to get my foot onto toe brakes and that could be a big deal at 90 mph in a Cassutt although I was being taught that in a TW plane you don't use the brakes on the runway unless you need to stop right away - but that was in an Extra 300L which I had no difficulty controlling at all (and able to get down and stopped in about 2000 ft).

    We'll see what the next few days present - maybe I can try some taxiing in a Cassutt and get a better feel for how the direct steer TW and powerful rudder (effectve from ~20 kts according to race pilot Jay Jones) work together.

    Thanks for the input!

    'Gimp
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    Matthew Long, Editor
    cluttonfred.info
    A site for builders, owners and fans of Eric Clutton's FRED
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  8. #8

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    Prof Henderson knows of what he speaks. Not to be negative, but I meet a lot of guys in aviation who ask for advice and when an authority gives them an answer that they to not like, go and get an answer from less experienced individuals that better suits their desires. Unfortunately, in aviation that can get you hurt, so please weigh all of the offered info carefully.

    An acquaintance tried what you want. After trying to fly his Cassutt in IAC Sportsman for a year he got out his welding torch and built an Ultimate. He scores much better now.

    Best of luck,

    Wes

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