Just Aircraft now provides optional instructions and materials for installing spoilers on new SuperSTOL kits.
The addition of spoilers enhances slow flight control, especially in undesirable wind conditions, according to officials with the Walhalla, S.C.-based company. They represent the latest step in advancing the short takeoff and landing capabilities of the SuperSTOL, officials add.
Troy Woodland, who designed and flight tested the spoilers, said: “Once a pilot discovers the advantage of spoilers in slow flight and turbulent air, he won’t want to fly without them. They go a long way toward taking the rock and roll out of rough air on final, and they open up a lot of new areas for landings.”
The kits, which connect the spoilers to the ailerons, take about 40 hours to install. They can be mounted at the factory for an additional charge.
Designed to deploy with the ailerons, the spoilers will rise on the right wing when the pilot moves the stick to the right. Since stick movements at cruise speed are minimal, the spoilers have little effect, but in slow speed operations, when the stick movements are greater, the spoilers will reach maximum deployment and effectiveness.
The SuperSTOL wing features slats that extend in slow flight, vortex generators, and fowler flaps all of which are designed to allow the aircraft to fly at a very high angle of attack without stalling. That in turn, allows a touchdown speed in the low 20s in calm conditions.
Optional spoiler kits, which are available only for the SuperSTOL, are priced at $1,000. With factory installation, the price is $2,500.