On Sunday, October 26, 2014 5:04:49 PM UTC+1, wrote:


As I understand it, 'Equivalent MC' reverses the STF calculation, and produces a figure from your averaged airspeed and the polar for your aircraft.

For example, assume MC theory for a glider states a STF of 150kph for a 2..0m/s estimated climb. 'Equivalent MC' reverses this equation; If you fly this glider at a constant 150kph IAS for the averaging period, the 'Equivalent MC' will be 2.0m/s.

The way I've heard it described, the idea is that you directly compare your 'Equivalent MC' figure with your MC figure and adjust your airspeed accordingly. If 'Equivalent MC' = 2.1m/s and MC = 2.0m/s, slow down. If 'Equivalent MC' = 1.9m/s and MC = 2.0m/s, speed up.

Yes.
Little clarification: for basic function you don't need to set the MC into the variometer, just keep it in mind.
Little modification: If 'Equivalent MC' shows 2.1 and you expect 2.0 in front of you don't bother slowing down. 0.1 m/s difference is negligible.

I think it's totaly intiuitive to fly fast into good weather and fly slowly into bad weather. This would be just little guidance to learn and later confirm the numbers.


Climb and sink does not directly influence 'Equivalent MC', which is one reason why 'Equivalent MC' might be a poor value to display on a vario.

No, I totally would want it to be adjusted for sink and climb.

LK8000 doesn't adjust for that, so it's probably not a good example/definition. What I meant is "flown MC". Its reversing the STF calculation and producing a figure from averaged airspeed, the polar and the rise/sink.

Also as a precaution against a common mistake of flying so slowly in sink that you're actually achieving smaller then maximal achievable L/D I would like to have immediate warning for that (spead up!).