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Old December 19th 07, 02:38 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
kirk.stant
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Posts: 1,260
Default AoA keep it going!

I generally find that my attention is fully occupied while landing. If
I had an AoA indicator, I would have to take attention away from
something else to look at it (I always have the audio vario and radio
off for the final approach). Would an AoA also indicator free up some
of my attention, and if so, from what?

Ian


Ian, do you look at your airspeed indicator while landing (well,
during the approach, of course - no one looks at their airspeed while
actually landing, do they?)? If you do, then a properly designed AoA
indicator could make your approaches easier and safer. Remember,
airspeed is just an inaccurate way to show angle of attack - the AoA
gauge shows it directly.

Now, if all gliders had AoA gauges, you could jump from one glider to
another and not worry about what the right approach speed is for the
glider you happen to be in. Ditto min sink, etc. Sure would be nice
with ballasted two-seaters, that can have a significant difference in
approach and thermalling speeds depending on crew and ballast weight.

Right now, the closest we have is the yellow triangle on german
gliders - approach speed at max gross, I think? (please correct me if
I'm wrong on that one).

Still dreaming...

Kirk
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