Eternal debates in aviation...

[Frank Giger]

One of the fun things about being in aviation is the endless, pointless "this versus that" debates that take up a lot of time without any resolution.

My favorites:

Champ versus Cub. "If I wanted to drive from the backseat I'd be my wife," was the best line I ever heard during one of these. And yes, I concur.

Trikes versus Tailwheels. "Real pilots fly taildraggers" sounds really impressive until one understands it's being told to a DC-10 pilot that has a zillion zillion hours. I don't actually take sides in this too much, though I've only ever ground looped a tricycle geared aircraft (long story).

Certified versus Uncertified engines. Hooboy, always a good'un, as it crosses the Production vs. Homebuilt divide. Both sides have great points and a fistfull of statistics behind them to support their views along with loads of stories. The subsets are the two stroke versus four and the auto-conversion versus decertified engine debates.

Invariably the words "cheap," "dinosaur," "reckless," and "obsolete" are going to be used. Bonus points if the Wright Brothers, Curtiss, or Rutan are referenced.

What others have I missed?

[Janet Davidson]

Low wing vs. high wing?

Does Marvel Mystery Oil have any effect or not?

Lean of peak, or not?

Wheel land or 3-point?

[Joe LaMantia]

Fun Topic!
Here's a few more, Who needs Flaps?, learn to Slip! When to apply flaps, in segments or all on final? Piper vs Cessna? Training should include spins, or not? All this stuff reminds me of my days driving an 18 wheeler, the drivers argue endlessly on truck brands and colors "Pete vs Kenny" when over half are "Frieghtshakers". Here's a couple more on aviation that just came to mind; Glass panels vs Steam gauges and plastic is only for model airplanes!

Joe

[rosiejerryrosie]

We all know that only kids ride tricycles....

[Floatsflyer]

.......And Seaplane pilots have more skill and more fun than landlocked drivers-tricycle or taildragger. Really...just ask us. You try takeoffs and landings on a runway that's constantly moving!

[Anymouse]

High wing vs low wing
Treadmills
Slipping with flaps
Extending your range with a multi by shutting down an engine
Anything to do with headsets

[Frank Giger]

.......And Seaplane pilots have more skill and more fun than landlocked drivers-tricycle or taildragger. Really...just ask us. You try takeoffs and landings on a runway that's constantly moving!

All the dangers of boating combined with the adventure of flying.

Some might say that's just asking for trouble.

[kk6mm]

re: Low wing vs. high wing. Personally, I prefer low wing, but a very experienced pilot I know recently noted that he's never seen a low wing bird...
A little fodder for the high wing folks.

[steveinindy]

High wings reportedly have a tendency to rollover more in crashes and I don't like having the fuel above my head even if the thing doesn't turn turtle. That's my only "argument" against a high wing configuration. Otherwise, I prefer them because of the better visibility towards the ground.

[R. Novak]

Low wing vs. high wing?

Does Marvel Mystery Oil have any effect or not?

Lean of peak, or not?

Wheel land or 3-point?

Janet! I can help with the MMO question - actually did some testing on it a few years ago. "Without data it's just another opinion". See you later.