Why should aft valve locks not be engaged with the after-damper open in an airship?

Engaging the aft valve locks with the after-damper open in an airship can result in an excessive bow-high attitude. This situation occurs because the aft damper’s open position allows for airflow that can alter the airship's center of gravity and pressure distribution. If the aft valve locks are then engaged, they prevent the necessary adjustments to the airflow, thereby complicating altitude control and potentially forcing the airship into an undesirable upward pitch or bow-high configuration.

Maintaining proper control of the airship's attitude is crucial for ensuring safe flight operations. When the bow of the airship is excessively high, it can lead to increased resistance and difficulty in recovering from that attitude, which could compromise the stability of the flight. Proper management of venting and damper systems is vital for maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and control throughout the flight.

In contrast, while increased drag and destabilization of the flight path can be consequences of an improper setup, they are not as directly related to the immediate effects seen when aft valve locks are engaged with the after-damper open. Similarly, engine failure is not a scenario directly associated with this particular action, as it pertains more to mechanical or operational failures rather than the aerodynamic dynamics involved.