Original Posted By: LaurenMWilliams(at)webtv.net (Lauren Williams)
This is from my archive on this subject:(my thanks to those who responded when I posed this question a while back=)>>Tom Fahy and Mike Cuy have cut out the back end in the middle section o=f>>the wing for better pilot entry. Does this have any effect on lift ?>In the 8th issue of the BPAN, Vi Kapler wrote that BHP estimated a wingcut-out>to reduce lift by an amount equal to reducing wing span by 2 feet.Instead, he>recommended installing a hinged cut-out that could be replaced duringflight or>raising the cabanes by 2 inches to ease entry for theflexibility-challenged.>On the other hand, I've not yet heard a negative comment about wingcut-outs>from a builder who has installed one.>Peter- I've got tons of faith in BHP's design and his comments recordedover time, butthe wing cutout issue is one that is far overstated. Stearmans, Jennies=,etc. all had themand not only does it make it easier to get it and out, you can see aboveyou and it helpsyou clear turns. In my case I turned the center section into a baggagearea with a hingedalum. cover with latches at the back. Frank P. did the same thing but he=cannot reach insidehis due to no cutout or flop. I can stand up right in the pilots seat an=dlean forward torummage around in the center section. (also makes for great periodicinspection of youraileron cables and pulleys.) I'm not trying to be funny here but see th=elist below forimproving lift:1) Whatever engine you choose make sure it's up to snuff. Don't hang a j=unk 65 horse engine out there and complain when your rate of climb is po=or.2) Keep the plane light. Stay away from heavy finishing processes. Ligh=tfabric grade will be easier to attatch and the weave fills with less coats. Dopeworks wonderful- it's light, and easy to repair.3) WAX the wing. Really. I swear I gained 100 fpm after waxing my wing=,top and bottom. Yes, you will have a stiff neck and sore arms.4) Loose 20 pounds after the holidays. (something I need to do as well= !)5) Take off into the wind !Worth every cent you paid for it,Mike C.I have two things I'd like to discuss. As I wrote previously, I have the cutout in my wing and feel that it is absolutely necessary for acces=s to the cockpit and for visability. I have my radiator tucked under the For=d Escort; just think what the turbulence must be off the Model-A radiatorfacing the wind squarely in front of the center section of the wing. Just how efficient can that center section be in the Model A versions? Cutting so=me 3 or 3 =BD square feet out of the wing equals a lose of just that amount, particularly on the trailing edge. Last evening as I was flying I alsofound out that my crash helmet sticks some 1 or 2 inches up into the cut out a=rea. For someone my height, 6'2", the cabane struts would have to be lengthen=ed to gain clearance. I can't image lowering the seat any because my legs are= reasonably tight now. Of course, if I didn't use a cushion at all, I'dbe1/2 " lower. When turning base on approach, I love being able to look under= the wing and over it at the same time. I feel the safety factor, alone is w=orth the lose of a few square feet of wing.________________________________________________________________________________