Forgiving sailplanes

On 2010/07/21 12:57 PM, Derek C wrote:
On Jul 21, 9:56 am, wrote:
Hi Derek

You are correct - I am amplifying the difference. As I said I actually
prefer the handling on the Cirrus. BUT - I learned, on the Cirrus, to
fly with a very light touch on the stick. There is virtually no force
feedback on pitch. Especially in some of the big rough thermals we get
here, you tend to get a wing dropping quite easily.

As Bob commented - it is a pilot skill thing. I can, and do, fly the
Cirrus quite close to the limit and get the best climb rates etc. When I
do that I am aware that the departure from controlled flight is quite
rapid - and if I am not paying attention I will have a wing drop.
Recovery is instant - just unload the wing. Smoothly approached there is
a distinct turbulent warning - especially as the wake hits the elevator.

So - the Cirrus is a precise aircraft to fly, but can be more work than
some others. e.g. you can't take your hand off the stick for more than a
second or so (Phugoid is divergent and the elevator is effectively
mounted on a gimbal), and will reliably reward ham fisted insensitive
control inputs with a spin. The point I was trying to make is that some
aircraft require more attention. Which can contribute to impaired
capability - which is less safe.


I remember that my briefing for my first flight in a Std Cirrus
included the words "If it feels as though the controls are not
connected up, don't worry about it". It does indeed have very light
stick forces, but this makes it less tiring to fly and you only have
to think a turn and it will do it. I can fly my Cirrus all day, but I
get tired after flying something with heavier controls, especially big
two-seaters, after about 3 or 4 hours.

Derek C

Indeed - I hate the feeling of holding something embedded in a pot of
porridge.
I have had the moment half way up the winch launch of feeling there are
no controls connected. It happens after a day spent wrestling ancient
two seaters around. Then you get in the Cirrus and everything is so light.

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bildan wrote:
I don't think you can "buy" safety

I don't think you can buy absolute safety either. But damned if I can see
what that has to do with the OP's question.

Do you think pilots wanting seat belts in their aircraft is a sign they are
danger to themselves and others?