On Jun 21, 3:11 pm, Martin Gregorie
wrote:


A NZ briefing note I saw a year or two ago mentioned that it is good to
have the wheel brake on because that improves the tyre's aquaplaning
capability. This lets the glider reach a lower speed before the wheel
finally sinks into the water.

Hydroplaning requires a water film over an impermeable surface (e.g.
roadway).

I saw RR's "baptism" from about a mile away on the ridge. It's not a
"landing". It's a "splashdown". The wheel, indeed the whole danged
airplane goes in the water, right now. Believe me when I say that
brakes or no brakes will make no difference. Having spoilers extended
can be be the difference between being airworthy the next day or
driving to the glider repair station.

-T8