How much of this depends on the reaction time of the
vario?

I'm sure that textbooks from 40 years ago said to tighten
up in sink and open out in lift. As a matter of fact,
I believe this is one of the methods described by Reichmann.
This can make sense if the tightening if it is slight
and takes place early on the sink side, followed quickly
by opening up again. Such a move would tend to move
the circle toward the core, but would be disastrous
if done late.

I agree that opening out will enlarge the circle such
that the opposite side will then move toward the center.


At 17:12 18 October 2004, Todd Pattist wrote:
'Bill Daniels' wrote:

Todd, I believe that your method works but, if I understand
what you are
saying, I have one reservation about it.

I'm not sure I spent much effort describing 'my' centering
method. I was concerned about a technique being recommended
to a beginner that called for excessive maneuvering
in close
quarters that was the opposite of what most pilots
do.

There are lots of commonly used techniques that the
other
pilot can use - and that 1) I'm comfortable with,
2) I will
recognize, and 3) I can adapt to and work with. He
can roll
level at 90 degrees from the weak point. He can simply
reduce bank slightly to shift towards the center.
If he's
got longer wings, he may just slip it towards the center.
For all these common techniques, if he goes first,
it's easy
to see what he's doing. and I can move in tighter
behind
him so we're both well centered in the core.

The one thing that will screw us both up is if he tightens
up in the sink.

Personally, I use whatever works. As soon as I figure
out
which direction to go, and provided he hasn't made
a move
yet, I'll try to shift and signal to him where I think
we
should go. How much I shift and the technique I use
can
depend on lots of factors.

Long wings and strong tight core with a small centering
distance? - I may just slip it over.

Near the top, lift weakening and I'm willing to leave,
but I
think there might be some better lift in the on-course
direction? I'll probably roll it level, then roll
back in
if it improves, but keep going if not.

Big center change to make? Probably roll it level.

Normal centering adjustment? I'll reduce bank as needed
as
I pass the weak side and/or tighten in the best lift.
Even
this has lots of variations. Is the other pilot flying
with
too little bank? I may turn inside in the strong core.
Is
it a student in a 2-33 and I'm just climbing to start
altitude? I'll be less aggressive. Is he ahead of
me or
behind me in the circle? I may combine the centering
with a
position adjustment to get opposite him.


Todd Pattist - 'WH' Ventus C
(Remove DONTSPAMME from address to email reply.)