maneuvers

• Lift:

  • Definition: The force that opposes gravity and supports the glider in the air
  • Generation: Created by the shape of the wings (airfoil) and the pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces
• Thrust:

  • Definition: The forward force produced by the glider's propulsion system
  • Role: Overcomes drag and provides acceleration
• Gravity (Weight):

  • Definition: The force acting vertically downward toward the center of the Earth
  • Impact: Counteracted by lift during level flight; weight is the force the glider must overcome for sustained flight
• Drag:

  • Definition: The aerodynamic resistance opposing the glider's forward motion
  • Components: Parasite drag (non-lift-producing) and induced drag (associated with lift production)
• Straight and Level Flight:

  • Balance of Forces:
  • Lift = Weight
  • Thrust = Drag
  • Maintains a constant airspeed and altitude
• Control Inputs:

  • Elevator controls pitch
  • Ailerons control roll
  • Rudder controls yaw
• Climbs:

  • Force Relationship: Thrust > Drag, Lift > Weight
  • Control Inputs: Elevator for pitch, possibly ailerons for bank angle
• Descents:

  • Force Relationship: Thrust < Drag, Lift < Weight
  • Control Inputs: Elevator for pitch, possibly ailerons for bank angle
• Banked Turns:

  • Force Relationship: Lift > Weight, Thrust > Drag
  • Bank Angle: Determines the rate of turn and load factor
• Load Factor:

  • Definition: The ratio of total lift to weight
  • Increased Load Factor: Experienced during turns, affecting stall speed
• Stall:

  • Definition: A condition where the critical angle of attack is exceeded, resulting in a loss of lift
  • Recovery: Lower the nose, reduce angle of attack, and apply coordinated controls
• Slip:

  • Definition: Controlled sideslip with the nose pointing toward the inside of the turn
  • Purpose: Increase drag, expedite descent
• Skid:

  • Definition: Uncoordinated turn with the nose pointing toward the outside of the turn
  • Effects: Increased risk of a stall, reduced performance
• Spin:

  • Definition: Autorotational descent with sustained yaw
  • Causes: Excessive yaw, uncoordinated flight
• Recovery:

  • Procedure: Opposite rudder, forward stick, and timely application of the recovery procedure
• Steep Turns:

  • Definition: A turn with a bank angle exceeding 45 degrees
  • Purpose: Develops coordination and control skills
• Spins:

  • Definition: An autorotational descent resulting from an uncoordinated stall
  • Recovery: Prompt and proper recovery is essential
• Rolling Turns:

  • Definition: A coordinated turn with a continuous roll
  • Purpose: Enhance coordination and control skills
• Stall:

  • Stalls occur when critical angle of attack is exceeded (17 degrees)
  • Boundary layer has separated from wing and lift decreases rapidly
  • High nose altitude
• Climbing Turn Stalls:

  • Outside wing has higher AOA, if pitched then that wing will exceed CAOA and drop out of turn, this could cause a spin
  • To prevent, be mindful of speed during turns
• Descending Turn Stalls:

  • Inside wing has higher AOA, if pitched then that wing will exceed CAOA and drop out of turn, this could cause a spin and the plane will drop
  • To prevent, be mindful of airspeed
• Spiral Dive:

  • Definition: Steep descending turn where speed and load factor increase and altitude decreases
  • NOT STALLED
  • Recovery: Minimize load factor
• Flying for Max Range:

  • Fly at best lift to drag ratio where AOA is efficient
  • When ground speed maximized, rate of descent decreases
• Glider for Max Endurance:

  • Fly at minimum sink speed
  • Smallest rate of descent