BEST Climb Rate

[imfsub12]

Yes i'm a jump pilot, and have a question for anyone out there..

When you are climbing to alt. and you have a full load of divers, what is better to get the BEST Climb Rate VSI?

1. Jumpers in the back of the plane (more weight in the tail)
2. Jumpers as forward as they can get?

And again this is when i'm in the climb NOT on the take off...

[Lommer]

I would think it's jumpers in the back, In most planes a rearward c-of-g is more efficient than a forward one. This is because the horiz. stabilizor is usually rigged to provide a downforce, and by moving the c-of-g rearwards you reduce the amount of downforce it needs to provide, thereby reducing the total drag on the aircraft. I would think this is just as applicable (if not more so) in a climb as in straight and level.

[TopperHarley]

As long as you aren't exceeding MTOW and your within the CG envelop of the a/c, the position of the CG should really have no effect on your max climb rate.

The position of the CG will effect your stability and the way your elevator feels/responds. Comparing a forward CG and a relatively aft CG (again, assuming you're within the CG envelop), the forward CG will provide greater stability and the elevators will feel relatively heavier (more stability, less maneuvarability).

To achieve your max climb rate, you need to fly the proper AOA (or, as the POH will put it, IAS) for a given weight and density altitude.

[mellow_pilot]

In theory, Lommer is right. Less downforce means better climb (more excess power translates to higher RoC).

In practice? I don't think the difference would be noticable. What are you flying?

[Spokes]

Don't Airbus aircraft pump fuel aft after takeoff to increase speed? I would think that this would be analgous. Not sur if this would translate to better climb performance though.

[mellow_pilot]

Would it really make a noticable difference in a jump plane (assuming you're not using a C-130)?

[square]

You'd have the least effective weight (and therefore the best climb) with the C of G right at the wings' center of pressure/center of lift. But.. it would have really bad longitudinal stability (it'd be pitchy.)

edit to add: and yes, in most planes you move the CG back to get closer to the C of P.

[Tango01]

Yes i'm a jump pilot, and have a question for anyone out there..

When you are climbing to alt. and you have a full load of divers, what is better to get the BEST Climb Rate VSI?

1. Jumpers in the back of the plane (more weight in the tail)
2. Jumpers as forward as they can get?

I doubt it would make a big difference. Stability though is another story.

[dom692222]

i personally would have to say, put the in the back. as far back. why your stall speed decreases. therfore giving you a high climb gradient. you won't pass you stall angle quicker, than if your pax would be in the front. cause speed is just that bhp. my 3 cents...

[Walker]

I want to say back too, keep the tail plane in a state where it neither has to produce lift up nor down. Thus no induced drag, thus increased efficiency.

[dji]

From my experience, if you don't have a turbo, above 10000-11000, once they turn around, if they stay in the back.. to get more confortable, place their booties, or whatever, it just stops climbing, get them forward. pretty soon.. just when they see you turning your head.. they'll understand. but they forget everytime is seems.

enjoy