Trikepilot Social

Explain Speed to Me,

I have never flown a trike before and was wondering what difference speed makes?

Looks like when comparing cruise speeds of fast wings versus slow wings we are talking

a speed range of maybe 30 knots or so.

Does a trike handle that much different at 45 or 90 knots? Or is it more comfort of wind buffet sitting out in the open? What is a recommended speed range for a beginner/learning trike, a cruising trike, a trike for off airport landings…?

In my world anything below 250 KIAS is slow, at 200 I think about putting out flaps, at 150 and below I am thinking stall.

Then again, 80 knots in my C-172 at Flaps 10 and the window open seems to fast with the prop wash from the front for comfortable low level cruising.

Thanks in advance for all replies.

Hey,

Gerhard,

I think that Toni explained very well. I may add that a faster wing also allows for better energy retention and energy management. In trikes 50mph difference in top speed could be like comparing a Cub with sleek Lancair ... a slow single surface floater trike ... is that.. a floater. From VNE to Stall you may only have a few MPH.... on a double surface wing like the QUIKR with a VNE of 120 MPH and a stall of around 40MPH there is quite a range. Also the typically higher wingloading of the faster trikes makes for better handling in moderate turbulence and landing in such conditions.

Now, all wings/trikes have a purpose. Slow/Float is great for sight seen, early morning / late afternoon flights. Low/slow. Faster trikes are great for cross-country flying - typically 4-stroke engine / low fuel consumption, etc. Fast trikes have effective windshields that protect from the 100MPH wind blast.

Speed is so relative in aviation ... for me 90knots in a trike is fast ... for you perhpas 250knots is fast ... for my friend that flies a Citation well ... you see my point. Also, think about how much more a GA aircraft will cost ... just to go 50knots faster.

Hope this helps ...

Regards
Tony C.
P&M Aviation USA