Reading SGS 2-32 Polar Curve

On Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 5:04:14 PM UTC-5, runner4065 wrote:
Helpful. Am I correct in assuming this L/D curve is interpreted differently than a polar curve? And therefore the apex of the curve is the best L/D, not a line touching the curve beginning at the origin?

How do I compensate for wind? If I have a 15 mph headwind, what becomes my best L/D?

Correct. On the L/D curve, max L/D is the apex of the curve. On the "polar curve" as you describe (horizontal and vertical speeds), best L/D is a line drawn through the origin, tangent to the polar curve.

To see what affect wind has, you can take the existing chart, extend the airspeed to the left to find the zero airspeed, and the vertical speed down to zero vertical speed, and use this origin. It will be "upside down" from what you are use to, but you should be able to work with it, drawing tangents to find speeds to fly for various winds and anticipated climb rates.

Steve Leonard