Most closed cockpit wooden gliders with nil wind will manage at least 20:1
so from about 6000ft, at 20:1 in Nm's with no lift or sink you'd have
slightly less than 500ft to land, do-able, but to be comfortable essentially
needs at least one further climb....
In my usual bike - presently a schleicher K8, it would be possible only with
a nil wind or a tail wind, as the major factor with wooden gliders is lack
of penetration.
Believe the standard wing Europa can soar quite well, especially in France
where the thermals are that bit stronger.
I have personal experience of adding a few knots to the cruise of a europa
by using some of natures energy.
A fellow glider pilot and Euopa owner (with an huge amount of gliding
experience) recalled to me a few weeks ago, he managed to nurse his Europa
home with the help of several thermals all the way from the South of France
with an hiccupy engine, power was kept mostly at idle to keep the engine
temp within acceptable limits...
Gliding any type of aircraft is dependent on flying extremely accurately to
get the full potential from the conditions.
I'm lead to believe one can get further flying an average L/D aircraft very
efficiently, than a high performance ship in-efficiently.
Its not the size - its what you do with it... :-)
Have Fun
Paul, The 'bleep'ing glider pilot....
Kit 558,
I may even shock you all soon and start building....
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Parkin [mailto:Mikenjulie.Parkin@btopenworld.com]
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Glide ratios
<Mikenjulie.Parkin@btopenworld.com>
Do you really think you can glide 20nms from 6000ft. I remember some wooden
gliders that couldn't do that - and have some spare left to field land.
regards,
Mike
The contents of this email and any attachments are sent for the personal
attention
of the addressee(s) only and may be confidential. If you are not the intended
addressee, any use, disclosure or copying of this email and any attachments is
unauthorised - please notify the sender by return and delete the message. Any
representations or commitments expressed in this email are subject to contract.
ntl Group Limited
|