Landing with one spoiler

"CindyASK" wrote in message
ups.com...
We do practice that here.
But many places do not practice for this.
Full spoilers deployed ( to achieve symmetry) through approach, from
the point of unlocking through flare/round out and touchdown. The
typical error we find made by pilots in this configuration is the
tendency to "hurry" on approach, with extra airspeed, and not
understand how it will affect their glide slope.

It should be much less of a handling worry to make the glider
symmetrical, and control the approach in a regular configuration, than
to begin to think of all the "different" things you could do to
accommodate the asymmetry.

Just because there are several stories reported here of pilots who
either "didn't notice" their configuration issues, or handled
them with aplomb, remember that this is frequently Not The Case for
just as many others.

We also practice/teach approaches with spoilers completely closed, but
that is a different thread.

Cindy B
Caracole Soaring


Good thoughts. Good also to keep in mind that many gliders will have the
wheel brake fully applied with full spoiler deployment making the touchdown
'interesting'.

Once, long ago, I tested the effect of asymmetrical spoiler deployment to
find out if it would make a suitable roll control. I found that I could
twist around in the seat of a 1-26 just enough to pull one of the spoiler
cables behind the spar box. I was surprised to find that the roll/yaw
effect was small - at least at normal approach airspeeds.

As long as the airspeed is not too high, asymmetrical spoiler can be
controlled with rudder and aileron. Of course, at higher speeds, the yaw
from an open spoiler will overpower the rudder because drag is proportional
to the square of the airspeed. Somehow, rudder authority doesn't increase
at the same rate.

Bill Daniels