Kevin,

Speed brakes are for your mistakes, and poor ATC handling, and for the most part that rarely happens. They are HORRIBLY inefficient and carry extra weight, especially if you're paying for gas.

They "may" be of some value in really short field landings... however moot, as you make not wish to get in where you can't get out.... for the most part.

For a jet... perhaps, and there were a few times they made things work in the Boeings, but still hated to use them, unless there was no other alternative. In a piston there's plenty of alternatives.... just pull the power back works most of the time.

For me, I'd remove them in a piston plane.

Larry

Just curious, do speed breaks serve in purpose in turbo charged airplanes to prevent shock cooling.

Rick

But speed breaks are useful in pressurized pistons to maintain higher MP so the turbo's can maintain cabin pressure.
Besides being fun, they are also good when you want/need to descend fast through a layer of crap.
Lastly, in my case the speed breaks have a much higher deployment speed than either landing gear or flaps. So in the case of hitting unexpected turbulance and you wish to slow down for passenger comfort they come in ather handy.

Tim

Totally agree with you Tim. I use them to get to Va quickly when turbulence rears it ugly head. Also when your at 15-17k and ATC would let you down until your 30 miles from the airport and your doing 3 NM per minute ... Push the little blue button and whoosh.. Your dropping nice and flat.... Hit the button to retract and your still in trim..

PS... Congrats on the nice plane from a former Corpsman....

Thanks,

Tim