RE: alula

[Stanley Friesen <sarima@ix.netcom.com>]

At 11:17 AM 6/10/99 -0400, Norton, Patrick wrote:
>Leading edge flaps and slats are designed to optimize airflow over the   
>upper surface of the wing when increases in the angle of attack begin to   
>compromise lift, typically during take-off and landing.  Some, but not   
>all, leading edge slats function like the avian alula by creating a slot   
>at the leading edge of the airfoil.  Air forced through this narrow slot   
>increases in velocity over the top of the wing, thereby avoiding a stall.   
> That is essentially how an alula works.  On a commercial airliners, you   
>can watch the slat (I think these are called the Handley-Page slat)   
>separate from the leading edge of the wing by sliding forward, creating   
>the slot.

Yep, I certainly can, and have, many times.  [I travel by air about once a
year, so I get plenty of opportunities to see them].

It was indeed these slats on commercial airliners that I was thinking of as
being similar to the alula.

[As I am not a pilot, I am most familiar with commercial jet aitliners].

> Not all planes have these slats, as Jim C has already   
>mentioned. I don't think you find them on smaller planes.
>
As I think back, I do not remember seeing them on my uncle's airplanes.
But that was years ago, and I am not sure I would have noticed then.

--------------
May the peace of God be with you.         sarima@ix.netcom.com