15
FLYING IN TURBULENCE AND
INCIDENTS IN FLIGHT
Avoid flying in turbulence at all costs. Study meteorology books
which will warn you when to expect these conditions (strong wind,
turbulence from obstacles or a wake, rotors, lee side thermals, Foehn
winds, cumulo-nimbus clouds, etc.)
If you are caught in turbulence, there is one essential - slow down
(30% - 50% brake).
-
This will increase the angle of attack, reducing the risk of
closure from the leading edge experiencing a negative angle of attack.
-
The pendulum effect will be lessened during transitions
-
If the wing deflates, it will be in a position to reinflate
immediately.
DEEP STALL
Although it did not occur during testing (except during big ears), if
this should happen it is sufficient to start a moderate turn and then counter
the dive which will follow while keeping sufficient pressure on the brakes.
If this happens, it will be a sign of ageing and the canopy should
be checked.
If deep stall happens near the ground, it is better to land “hands
up” in this attitude than to attempt to recover.
CLOSURES
Re-opening, on this model, is usually spontaneous and immediate,
particularly if the pilot flies with some brake when the conditions make it
likely that closures will happen.
Although it did not happen during testing, it is conceivable that a
major closure causing a turn to start could, if nothing were done, develop
into a spiral dive.
To correct this, transfer the weight to the side which is still inflated
and apply brake to the outside of the turn. When the spiral dive is under
control, if the wing still has not re-opened, briefly pull both brakes. Do not
slow the wing down too much and cause a stall.
NO DEFLATION, EVEN SMALL, IS ACCEPTABLE BUT SHOULD
CAUSE YOU TO CUT SHORT THE FLIGHT
MANOEUVRES
