ASW 20 SPIN CHARACTERISTICS

Very thoughtful of Andreas to put this together. Based on 17+ years
and 2000 hours in a 20, I would add only the following thoughts...

You may move the flap handle from position 2 to position 4 on take off
as soon as the pass the start point of the tow plane. This is where
wings typically drop, in the wake turbulence as you enter it at low
speed. Once past it, you will find plenty of control authority. I
prefer flap position 4 since it lowers the nose, allowing a much
improved view of the tow rope.

When thermalling, use flap position 4, or drill a hole between
positions 3 and 4 if you want less drag. If you need to shift your
circle or correct for gusts, move the flap handle to 3 as you make
aileron inputs. This will give you a better roll rate. As soon as you
have established the desired angle of bank, pop the handle back into
positive (3.5 or 4).


Martin Gregorie wrote in message . ..
On 4 Jul 2004 17:54:39 -0700, (Ventus B) wrote:

I have been considering buying an ASW20, ASW20B, or ASW20C. I knew
they were champions in their day and still have a lot of admirers.
However a few folks from my club say they have some nasty spin
characteristics. Specifically, that they have a tendancy to not only
immediately spin when stalled, but will go inverted as they spin. Can
anyone eloborate or corroborate? I normally only hear good things
about the 20.
Respectfully,

Assuming you haven't seen the handbook yet, the following may answer
some of your questions:

http://www.gregorie.org/gliding/asw2..._handling.html

It was written by Andreas Maurer for a pilot who was converting from a
Pegasus: in fact the guy I bought my '20 from. I've found it very
useful, especially as I, too, was converting from a Pegasus. IMO it
tells you most of what you need to know about the '20 that isn't in
the flight manual.