Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy[_1_]
On Jul 14, 9:57*am, Martin Gregorie
wrote:
I almost asked about it earlier in the thread and then decided that was
obvious - you'd turn the same way as usual because that's what the tow
pilot is expecting. So, is this the correct answer and, if not, what is?
With a crosswind and only the takeoff runway as a landing option the
choice should usually be into the wind.
A turn into a crosswind will reduce the deviation of the glider from
the extended runway centre line and reduce the distance required to
return to the runway centre line for landing. It therefore reduces
the altitude loss for the course reversal.
Imagine a 90 deg cross wind that equals the glider's airspeed. A turn
into wind can be accomplished on the runway extended center line. Now
consider how far the glider must go to complete the turn if made
downwind.
Andy
|
I can imagine a 90 degree crosswind that equals the gliders speed but I wouldn't be taking off under those conditions. If the wind is that strong I would need to be pointing very much into wind. Had takeoffs and landing in both my Ventus a and Nimbus 3D at 18 - 21 knots at 45 degrees to runway and out landing field alike and there wasn't much directional control left.
Your illustration has little practical value.
Subject to local variations I would agree with Martin that a downwind turn in crosswind conditions is often the better option as it enables you to fly a teardrop pattern to the centreline more easily.
Cheers
Colin
July 14th 11, 10:34 PM
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