On Dec 22, 10:36*pm, Greg Arnold wrote
One common problem with many arguments (not just on RAS!) is that people
compare the status quo with an idealized world, and conclude that the
status quo is flawed and must be changed. *It seems to me this may be
occurring in the AoA discussion -- many posters have compared a
perfectly functioning AoA indicator with our slow and inaccurate ASIs,
and concluded that AoA indicators are better. *But perhaps in the real
world AoA indicators on gliders would be even less accurate than ASIs?

Greg, I don't see it that way. I see the basic argument is about AoA
vs airspeed as the more accurate/desirable control instrument for
certain phases of flight (assuming equally good instrumentation for
the AoA and airspeed).

As far as instrument accuracy, AoA and airspeed are fundamentally
different, with different ways to be measured. You define the level
of accuracy you want, and design the sensor and display accordingly.
This is not rocket science - AoA indicators have been around since
before the airspeed indicator, and was probably considered easier to
measure at first!

A side discussion relates to the fact that airspeed indicators are
universal, while AoA sysems are expensive and not common in gliders.
While the appropriate technology is simple and would be easy to
incorporate in a glider while it is being built (a few sets of
pressure ports on each wing, connected to a microprocessor and
display) the current cost is in the $1500 range - plus installation -
so I doubt we'll be seeing a lot of them in cockpits soon. But
picture this: You have the plumbing installed while your new glider
is being built (some tubing - not a lot of cost there, basically it's
another multi-orifice static system in the wings). Then the latest
SN-99 or LX-9999 has the software and connectors builtin (adds $500 to
the box). It might start showing up - first in top of the line
motorgliders, then filtering down.

I fail to understand why looking at ways to make flying more efficient
and safer causes such a defensive response! But then, the same thing
probably happened when the first electric varios came out - "what's
wrong with our PZL? Dont need no stinkin battery, works just fine!
Next you'll want it to make noise!"

Then there was the great GPS debate...or even radios!

Kirk