Ray Hart wrote:

What I'm trying to say is that a one spoiler landing
is, to me, a total
non event. But to some is has turned into a fatality.
Why is that?

-Tom


But is that true?

Any glider can suffer partial control failure from connection problems,
freezing, stick or linkage blockage, undetected damage, mechanical
failures, or improper repairs. I think giving pilots some experience in
these situations with an experienced instructor would be an asset.
Besides the actual skills it might impart, it would make them less
likely to panic in a partial control failure situation. The poster that
thought crashing might be inevitable, even on a Mojave desert sized
airport, comes to mind.

One question I mooted had to do with the effects
of asymetry on a range odd types, especially older, larger span
gliders; Kestrel19, Jaunus etc. Loss of rudder on a Kestrel has
proved fatal on a number of occasions, loss of an aileron likewise in
Nimbus 2s, full rudder deflection on a Janus has to be experienced
(but only at a safe height - not on final approach).

From what you say, it sounds like pilots of these gliders are in
particular need of "partial control" training. Instead of avoiding any
training of this type just because some gliders are troublesome, I think
instructors should be encouraged to provide it because most gliders
_aren't_ like the few you mention. And regardless of the type of glider
a pilot is transitioning to, he should seek out a good briefing on it's
operation, and even take additional training if the glider's quirks
exceed his abilities.


--
Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA