"Mark Hickey" wrote in message
...
"Wayne Paul" wrote:

You must also keep in mind that the turn radius of a 45 degree bank at 50
kts is only 250 feet.

But how many aircraft will continue flying at 50 kts in a 45 degree
bank? Not many, I'd wager...

Mark,

The example was for a moderate performance glider which, at 50 kts, can make
a 180 degree turn in less than 10 seconds. Most sailplanes circle in
thermals with bank angles of 45 degrees, or higher, at around 50 kts. The
following links show the specifications for my Schreder HP-14 homebuilt
sailplane.
http://www.soaridaho.com/Schreder/HP...ifications.htm

Links to pictures of my HP-14.
http://www.soaridaho.com/Schreder/HP...Test_Ready.jpg
http://www.soaridaho.com/photogaller.../17900_MSL.jpg
http://www.soaridaho.com/photogaller...r_Mt_Range.jpg

Wayne
HP-14 N990 "6F"