FES vs Gas Engine – Finding a Thermal?
With my Ventus 2cxm, a pneumatic switch allows the tail TE probe to be switched to Static for the powered climb, which gives a jitter-free vario needle, which while not TE, allows thermals to be clearly recognized and circled in. When at a safe altitude and in a thermal, I stop the engine while continuing the same circle. I have fitted the optional engine brake, which allows the prop to be rapidly stopped from windmilling. I immediately start the prop retracting (I ignore the recommended (high-drag) cool down with prop extended) but after retraction I leave the doors open for a minute for muffler cooling. This minimizes the high-drag retraction period.
Another comment: the only vicious and totally-unexpected spin entry I ever have had in the normally-predicable ventus 2cxm, was when I got too slow while waiting for the prop to stop windmilling (before I fitted the engine brake). A characteristic to remember if trying an inflight start.
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