The airplane without these flaps becomes very nose heavy and starts to buffet above diagram dive
speeds (Dia.2.). The dive recovery flaps which are installed under the wings between the booms and
tile ailerons restore the lift to this portion of the wing and thus cause the uncontrollable nose
heaviness to occur at a higher speed. The flaps also add some drag to the airplane which in
conjunction with the higher allowable dive speed permits safer dives at a much steeper diving angle.
The dive recovery flaps should be extended before starting the dive or immediately after the dive is
started before a buffeting speed has been reached. If the airplane is buffeting before the dive recovery
flaps are extended the buffeting will momentarily increase and then diminish. With these flaps
extended, the nose heaviness is definitely reduced but the diving speed should never be allowed to
exceed the placard by more than 15 or 20 mph. With the dive recovery flaps extended before entering
the dive, angles of dive up to 45 degrees may be safely accomplished. Without dive recovery flaps
extended the maximum angle for extending dives is 15 degrees. Diving characteristics are better with
power off than power on.
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