Is dutch roll remotely possible to do on a C172?
Posted by BugHistorical3@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 4 comments
I know for the most part you need sweptback wings, but can you still induce a dutch roll in your typical C172?
Charlie3PO@reddit
As others have said, yes. Basically any aircraft with positive lateral and directional stability can experience Dutch roll. Low flying straight wing aircraft will generally be more heavily damped than high flying swept wing aircraft though. Swept wings increase lateral stability, so swept wing aircraft are generally more prone to dutch roll. Flying at high altitude, where lower air density means less aerodynamic damping also makes Dutch roll worse.
The humble 172 ticks neither the swept wing or high altitude boxes, but you'll still get it by applying some rudder and letting go, however it'll slow and stop within seconds after just a few cycles. Also, keep in mind Va if making sudden control inputs.
Far_Top_7663@reddit
Yes, kick the rudder hard and let go. You will have a few cycles of highly-damped and short-lived Dutch roll.
BrtFrkwr@reddit
Yes, you can induce a dutch roll in a 172 due to the dihedral but it dampens out so fast you have to be watching to notice. You might get one or two oscillations.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I know for the most part you need sweptback wings, but can you still induce a dutch roll in your typical C172?
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