Libelle 201 query
On Sat, 06 Feb 2016 11:22:12 +0000, Ommadawn wrote:
'Martin Gregorie[_5_ Wrote:
;919283']On Thu, 04 Feb 2016 21:51:16 +0000, Ommadawn wrote:
-
She is fitted for water, but the bags are removed. The last owner made
some new ones, but didn't fit them, as he wasn't happy with the result.
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Another go-faster trick you might consider is fitting turbulators. This
used to add a point to the UK handicap (89 - 90) though the latest
handicap list seems to have dropped the '+turbulator' handicap. Anyway,
its a full span zigzag mylar turbulator on the under surface just ahead
of the undercambered region. Has no effect at lower speeds, but stops
flow separation in the undercambered area at high speed - at least
that's what I was told. It was on my Libelle when I bought her and
certainly high speed cruise around 70-80 kts shows less height loss
than I expected.
If you're interested, talk to Glasfaser, who can supply the tape and/or
fitting instructions.
--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie gregorie. | Essex, UK org |
Hi Martin,
That sounds almost too good to be true. Quite a simple mod for tangible
gains.
I assembled the bird today and had a good look at her. Everyone was
pleased with the choice. I'm a little short of achieving the skill
level to fly her just yet, but will work on that. I'm still bashing
around in the single Astir. Landings need attention. I have only been
back flying since late August, and solo again since mid November. No
need to rush.
Yes, you'll find that landings do require attention because its
relatively weak brakes mean that a Libelle will float further and have
more of a tendency to balloon than most other gliders. For this reason
you'll see a lot of not fully held-off landings done with them: going for
a two point fully held-off landing is almost guaranteed to balloon until
you're fully up to speed with it.
Your early efforts to avoid ballooning a landing will probably result in
a main wheel landing with a tiny bounce. This is normal. FWIW there is
one other Libelle on my field. Its pilot almost always lands this
way, is an instructor, and has at least 5 years more years on type than I
have. I've worked on two-pointing mine 'just because I could' and can now
do that most times, but I've had mine for 10 years and have only managed
mostly two-pointing it for the last 4 years or so.
BTW, its useful get up to speed with slipped approaches. Libelles slip
beautifully with full brakes out and this gives a nice steep and
controllable approach when you need it.
--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
org |
|