Harry
Yes they can. You might find that if both windows are open there may be some tail buffeting. Years ago, I had a little 85 hp Swift. One very hot day I decided to take off with both windows down. Upon reaching flying speed, I lowered the tail to allow the airplane to fly off. It shook so much, I thought the Beech-Roby prop had thrown part of a blade. I aborted the takeoff. I pulled on to a taxiway and got out and inspected the prop and the rest of the airplane. Everything was Ok so I tried the takeoff again with just one window down -- there was no problem. Years after that, I took off with both windows down in a 145 hp Swift fully expecting some tail buffeting. It really wasn't bad at all so I guess "it depends." I have even heard of flying a Swift with the hatch removed and both windows down, convertible style. Apparently there was no problem. -- Jim

WINDOW OPEN... (SEPT 03)

From: Todd Warnock <TCWinMIA@aol.com>
Subject: Re: August #4 GTS Internet Update
Todd Warnock here in Florida, Swift N80992. Just a quick note, I fly my Swift all the time with the window open. It is so hot here in Fl over the summer you almost have to. I have had no tail buffeting, but lots of air drown noise in the cockpit.

G LIMITS... (SEPT 03)

Subj: "G" limits
From: Marvin Homsley <Marvin.Homsley@FlightSafety.com>
Monte, I have been looking thru the type certificate data and cannot find the answer to my question. What are the "G" limits on the Swift and where did I overlook them ? I am just curious, I have no intention of testing them. Marvin Homsley

Marvin
The "G" limits are not on the type certificate or anyplace else that is "official". I have seen several figures over the years. Read Richard Bach's story "Who Are You Little Swift?" on the web site if you don't have the 1970 magazine article. Remember the airplane is now over 50 years old and any figures may not be valid. -- Jim

NO POH...(FEB 04)

Subject: Swift Pilot Operating Handbook
From: Max Spivak
Hello,
My wife and I are seriously considering buying a Swift. I would like to take a look at a POH. Is there one available online anywhere? Thx, Max

Max,
There is no Pilot Operating Handbook for any CAR Part 4a airplane that I know of. There is an "Operator's Handbook and Maintenance Manual" available from the Swift Parts Co in Athens, TN. Most of the flight items are like advertising claims in that book however are not very realistic. The specifications given are quite optimistic, like cruising speed 140 mph (for a 125 Swift) and landing speed 48 mph. Today, with all the STC's and mods, the 1946 figures would be incorrect anyway. Bum a ride in a Swift and see what it does for yourself. The ambiance of a Swift is not in the numbers. Many airplanes have similar or better numbers but the essence of the Swift is the beautiful control response especially the ailerons.