On Tuesday, 21 April 2015 21:24:09 UTC+3, Martin Gregorie wrote:
On Tue, 21 Apr 2015 05:54:32 -0700, waremark wrote:

On Tuesday, 21 April 2015 12:16:13 UTC+1, Martin Gregorie wrote:
On Mon, 20 Apr 2015 22:12:46 -0700, krasw wrote:

For vfr pilot with no training I would install simple electronic AH
(Dynon, Gemini etc.) for the purpose of keeping your glider right
side up and getting out of imc safely. You can fly whole day with T&B
only,
but it requires some training.

I think the same definitely applies to the Dynon electronic AH and its
relations: you still need the training before trying to use it 'for
real'.

I've had some training with a Dynon (bucket over my head in an SF-25)
and find that I prefer using a partial panel, mainly because the Dynon
heading indicator is just a small box showing the heading in degrees: I
don't find it nearly as easy to scan as an analogue indicator or a
ribbon like some of the other electronic AHs provide.

Its just as well I prefer the partial panel because that is what is in
my glider and there is no space in the panel to add an AH.


--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie gregorie. | Essex, UK org |

Martin, I am confused. What instruments do you have in your 'partial
panel' which you prefer to an electronic A-H? Surely you are not saying
that you find it easier to cloud fly using a turn and slip than using an
A-H?

Yes, exactly that: I don't see all that much difference between a T&S+ASI
and an AH for flying straight or maintaining a constant rate 1 turn in
cloud.

Are you referring to straightening up in the right direction when
you have finished thermalling,

Yes. When it comes to straightening out or flying on a heading I find
that a lot easier with a 'proper' compass or LK8000's moving map than I
do trying to use the tiny 3 digit bearing box on the Dynon AH. For me
anyway this is a clear case of 'analogue display trumps digital'.

in which case surely you would level the
wings using the A-H and use your gps or your compass to exit your cloud
in the right direction?

As I'm never far from home without a task set in LK8000, it will always
be showing the leg I need to resume travel along and I reckon that
straightening out along that is at least as easy as using an analogue
compass even after allowing for the map updating lag when turning.

A personal view, of course: ymmv.


--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
org |

I agree that AH is not a major advantage to T&B while thermalling inside cloud. GPS with map display is, compared to plain compass. I have flown most of my imc with T&B only (partial panel?), and now couple of years with AH added (national rules require T&B in any case). I've found couple of instances where AH gives added safety:

1) Straightening up after prolonged thermalling, or centering inside cloud. You just nail the correct pitch additude every single time with AH.

2) Severe turbulence, usually at the top of cloud. Flying straight and level with AH is much more accurate.