With a symetric aerofoil (and symetric surfaces generally along a horizontal plane) then there would not be a difference in flight dynamics- are there aircraft that have symetric aerofoils? Genuine question, not sarcastic.

In post 116 I gave another definition of G – the original one (it pre-dates aviation). It applies to aircraft as much as it applies to anything else in the Newtonian universe. It tallies perfectly with the way it is used in aviation, as explained by Baz, and it agrees with the lift/weight equation that you explained clearly before.

Which instruments go wild in inverted flight?

Straight and level, upside down – 1G (the earth’s gravity) – in an ‘upwards’ direction relative to the aircraft, therefore negative 1G.

The difference between ‘hanging in the straps’ and sitting on a seat – well, when straight and level, it’s 2G!

Positive 1G sitting in seat. Negative 1G hanging in straps.

In an inverted straight and level flight lift is generated as well by the wing which is at an angle of attack to the airstream (may be not possible with any aircraft, though) and is as well in equilibrium with weight.

The pilot and passengers have to be strapped in not to fall earthwards like a glove or a cup of tea on the coaming.

If you generate a centrifugal force in a curverd path by applying up elevator, even flying inverted, the objects will stick to the aircaft. They are restrained by the coamimg or seat and therefore have to follow the curved path and a centrifugal force is exerted on them as well, which then keeps them pressed to the aircraft against the weight.

Agreed. And the G Meter (if fitted) would read negative in the first instance, and positive in the second (given sufficient ‘up’ elevator to counter the 1G of the earth’s gravity when perfectly inverted, or the angular component thereof when not). Exactly the right amount of elevator (essentially, 1G’s ‘worth’ if I may be permitted to use a figure of speech) might produce a ‘zero’ reading for a period and a ‘Henshaw Roll’ – my earlier contention – though I am doubting myself now :confused::) – indeed FP, a good question for a Physics class.

Post self-censored because it was too silly.

Sorry! Rest assured I always read everything you post, James 🙂

Thought so.

Fair point, Douglasdriver :). I’m sure the man had his reasons – he was an experienced factory test pilot – but maybe we’ll never know what they were. Hey, maybe he WAS just showing off! 😮

PS. I have PM’d you 🙂