On Fri, 12 Feb 2016 15:45:53 -0800, WB wrote:


I would rather we not allow soaring autopilots in the cockpits of racing
sailplanes. Guess that makes me a Luddite.

I suppose that depends on what the competition is trying to measu if
its pilot skill or the performance of a particular airframe+pilot, then
you're absolutely right.

However, if the competition is purely to pick the best glider, then
something like the scenario on Arthur C Clark's "The Wind From The Sun"
is more appropriate: the pilot handles takeoff and tow before bailing out
at the start line, leaving the autopilot to do the business.


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