|
High Wing
|
Low Wing
|
|
Comfort
|
Aircraft Entry and Cargo Loading
|
Better - Easy Access
|
Worse - "Deep Hole Entry"
|
Protection from the Elements
|
Better - High wing protects occupants
from the sun and from the elements
|
Worse - At the mercy of the elements
on entry and exit. Less sun protection.
|
Ventilation/Cabin Temperature
|
Better - Due to sun shielding effects
of the wings.
|
Worse - The cabin is exposed to more
direct sunlight.
|
|
Safety
|
Pilotage/Patrol Visibility
|
Better - Downward and forward visibility
|
Worse - View partially blocked by wings
|
Ground Effect
|
Better - Less tendancy to "float."
|
Worse - More likely to float.
|
Crosswind Landing Bank
|
Better - More wingtip clearance.
|
Worse - Less wingtip clearance.
|
Fuel System
|
Better - Gravity assisted fuel flow from
tanks.
|
Worse - Requires fuel pump.
|
|
Performance
|
Thrustline
|
Better - Thrust in closer alignment with
CG (better stability)
|
Worse - Thrustline generally above CG,
resulting in a pitchup with engine stopage.
|
Drag - Wing/Fuselage Junction
|
Better - Less drag due to more diheddral
effect.
|
Worse - More drag, generally larger wing
fairings to smooth airflow due to < 90 degree intersection angle at junction.
|
Sunstate Aviation
