Test pilots generally liked the handling characteristics of the ‘tin-rib’ boats
In August 1929 Cutty Sark G-AAIP undertook its certificate of airworthiness (C of A) trials at the MAEE.
The assessing pilot was Flt Lt Charles Cahill. He found ‘AIP’s water performance rather dirty until about half-way to the step. Choppy seas threw spray over the entire cockpit glazing; Cahill suggested that a windscreen wiper be introduced, but this wasn’t taken up. He also experienced porpoising with the centre of gravity at the forward position, though this was reduced at the aft position when the aircraft became easier to take off. ‘AIP’s flying qualities were generally good, its controls light and responsive. That said, Cahill also discovered that the machine persistently flew slightly starboard wing-low, nonetheless showing a tendency to turn to port. He recorded, “The rudder load at cruising speed to overcome this […] was reasonably light, but there was an increase in load at full throttle. No attempt was made to rectify this […] on account of the short time available for the trials”. ‘AIP also tended to hunt fore-andaft, particularly in bumpy weather, while Cahill noticed mild aileron vibration. But despite its …
