At 12:00 01 July 2005, wrote:
What this exercise really does is demonstrate how angle
of attack is
decoupled from attitude. It's unfortunate that the
concept of pitch
control by reference to angle attack is only taught
at a basic
theoretical level in most gliding instruction - undoubtedly
due to the
lack of any angle of attack indicator on gliders! (unless
you count the
pitot mast -mounted yaw string on a 2-33).

I really wish there was a simple, reliable and easy
to read angle of
attack (AOA) gauge available for gliders, optimized
for efficient
thermalling (no adjustment needed for water ballast
or bank angle -
unlike airspeed) and safe pattern speeds (instant response
to wind
gradient and shear; and again automatically adjusts
for landing right
off tow while still full of water).

Then you could use this exercise to show how to drive
the AOA way past
the stalling AOA while still appearing to be in a level
'flying'
attitude.

Kirk
What you really want, Kirt, is an F-4 with long wings.
What was the recovery, 8 to 10 units and don't look
outside?
JJ