On 24 Feb 2005 09:27:21 -0800, "BB"
wrote:

Though mostly about handicapping, it also shows very nicely why you
should not thermal at the "minimium sink speed" corresponding to the
level flight polar, but instead should usually thermal right on the
edge of a stall. (Going slower means you can achieve the same turn
radius with a lower bank angle.)

Try to thermal once at the edge of a stall in a glider like, say,
ASW-20, ASW-24, and you'll find out immediately that your conclusion
is not universally applicable.





Bye
Andreas