Subject: Gageteers, we need a digital heading sensor
From: "Bill Daniels"

My last flight showed this problem during a long glide. For 30 miles the
wind data showed SW winds at 20 knots but then I noticed the glider drifting
to the west. Two 360 turns and the computer showed wind at 090 at 10 knots.
When I crossed the wind shift line I had a chance to change strategy. 30
miles later when the wind error became obvious it was too late.

More and more I think we need very accurate real-time wind data with no
requirement to be constantly changing heading. A cheap, reliable heading
sensor would make this possible.

I very strongly agree, because I too am "cursed" with long glides between
thermals when flying long cross country flights. Air masses may change
dramatically in 10's of miles, but you won't know if you don't stop for a few
turns, also late in the day shear lines come through and cannot be easily
spotted on blue days without real-time wind info. This info WILL make the
difference between getting there faster or slower (or getting there at all!).
If you don't understand this, then you either haven't flown 50-60+ mile glides,
or are just not observant enough of the situation to care.
Our climb instruments have evolved to the point that we really know what the
air is doing in the vertical direction, it would sure be nice to have as much
info about the horizontal direction.

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Mark Navarre
2/5 black ace
LoCal, USA
remove brain to reply
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