We’ve all noticed the very different rudder design between the 172 —where the rudder runs all the way to the bottom of the fuselage — and the 182 — where it stops on top of the aft fuselage. One would expect, all else being equal, for the 172 approach to give more authority, especially at angles where some of the rudder above the stabilizer is blanked.
So, why does the 182 differ? Internal structure? Avoiding the elevator cutout? Place for a proper tail light? Something else?
So, why does the 182 differ? Internal structure? Avoiding the elevator cutout? Place for a proper tail light? Something else?
