Eric Greenwell wrote:
Ray Lovinggood wrote:

I haven't tried this above 60 knots, but below 60 knots,
there is no problem. And because it trims nicely at
75 knots, I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem to let
go of the stick for a few seconds at that speed either.
Usually, I only need to let go for a couple of seconds.
It doesn't take long to peel a banana or open a pack
of 'nabs.'


It isn't a trim issue on the Std Cirrus, it is a G induced control
movement. It does not have a "balanced" elevator drive mechanism,
meaning a positive G surge tends to _increase_ the amount of "up"
elevator, which tended to increase the G loading, which ... you get the
idea. You can feel the stick reacting to bumps and surges as you fly it
a higher speeds. That was why letting go of the stick a speeds over 80
mph in my Std Cirrus was most unwise. At lower speeds, especially
thermalling, no problem.

You can release the stick for short periods in a Std Cirrus. It is not a
fearsome beastie that will bite the moment it is not being actively controlled.
There is no stick free stability, so if you let go for any length of time the
airspeed will slowly diverge into a phugoid. On mine the amplitude also slowly
increases. Turbulence can trigger sharper divergences, but you would surely not
be flying hands off in this situation...

Often the best way to improve thermal centering is to stop flying - in my case
the Cirrus is generally better at grooving a thermal than me, the lighter touch
really works a lot better. If you like to make big positive control movements
before antything happens get a Grob 103...

At high speed it is a different matter. Again I find the pro-disturbance
movement helps. You get an automatic "mini pull up" in any good surge of lift.
If you want to take it you follow through, if not you correct.

The Jantar is apparently also nice and light on the controls. WOuld not go wrong
with one of those either.
--
Bruce Greeff
Std Cirrus #57
I'm no-T at the address above.