Flying WITHOUT an ASI - The art of flying without an Air Speed Indicator?
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- This has been one of those topics that I see on the forums so I thought I'd put my thoughts together and explain why I think that having an ASI on a SUB70 or light trike is absolutely pointless.
With regards to SSDR aircraft, please have a read here for the BMAA TIL 45, para 3.4 for clarification on the requirements of minimum instrumentation. www.bmaa.org/f...
A Permit To Fly aircraft, must have a minimum of an Altimeter and Air Speed Indicator, as set out in its BCAR S approval S1303.
Before you ask, no I didn't destroy the ASI, I completely forgot to do it...so its still in my flying bag somewhere :)
I frequently get asked about the kit I use, all links or names are below.
compass mount
www.etsy.com/u...
Chin guard/ visor air dam:
microavionics....
Compass Silva Un70.
My PeaBee radio and communications set up is:
ICARO SCARAB Helmet with MicroAvionics PM100 Bluetooth (Vlog modified by MicroAvionics)
www.microavion...
My Airband radio ( I have the appropriate Licence) is :
www.microavion... Yaesu FT450 FTA .
Engine instruments:
Trailtech TTO Tech and CHT
Fuel gauge - Tiggy Aviation
Tiggy fuel flow and quantity device - Soon to be an upgrade coming out.
GPS
NAVITER OUDIE 5 PRO with FLARM
Electronic Conspicuity device
SkyEcho 2
Camera and Microphones:
Flight Briefing room
Video Camera 4K Camcorder ORDRO WiFi Ultra HD Vlog Camera and a ICE BLUE microphone
Flying cameras
GoPro 3+, GP6 and 7 with audio adaptor.
Camera Mounts/ cases
flybubble.com/...
www.flypureair...
Flying Clothing:
FlyKandy Jacket and trousers
OZEE flying suit EXEAT and 30seven gloves
Sealskinz mittens
Editing software
Adobe Premier elements
Music - Epidemic Sounds - Subscription.
I’m going to remove my Hall Airspeed Meter from my Adam and see how the reduction in drag improves my airspeed - But how will I measure it 😉
Haha, I didn't see that one coming.
It’s a very valid video Giles, I’m wondering whether the obsession that fellow sub 70/SSDR pilots (inc myself) with ASI’s comes from our instruction on dual machines, I for one was taught to use certain speeds on approach. Whilst with years of flying paragliders I never once had a need for an ASI, never unintentionally stalled etc.
The thing I love about Sub70 and even the NINE, I've never known any speeds, I just fly by feel and bar position.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 indeed your absolutely correct Giles, I tried to use the Hall a couple of times and my landings were abysmal! Flying by feel, attitude and bar pressure gave much better results.
I'm just curious, how was the Hall messing up your landings?
For these machines...my opinion is we don't need an ASI. Just like you don't need a an ASI for a PPG. These machines have so much inherent stability... they know what to do better then we know what to do. If you want to fight that stability by making it climb, turn or dive, the wing tells you what it's doing...you can feel the bar pressure...and that feed back is much more valuable than looking at a gauge. Great video...Thanks.
Hi Stone, yes you have hit the nail on the head with your comment. Not much to add really.
How I long for those balmy sunny evening flights, roll-on spring!!
Happy Christmas Giles, here's to much more excellent content in 2024!!!🍻🍺🍺🍺🍺
Cheers David, and hopefully some Moors flying for us as well.😁
I love the sound of that!@@GolfFoxtrot22
I am a paraglider pilot. We relay on the same concept. Your speed is established by the height of the commands, so to speak. We have no trimmers or trimming regulators. We hang quite far low from the wing. But I would have said that in a hangglider some slight thing can put you out of trim.
Hi Edu, I can completely relate to your comment as I flew paragliders and paramotors for over 10 years and I do like your analogy.
I totally agree with you Giles. I think having an ASI on a small trike is just another bleed over from GA aircraft. People that used to fly 3 axis planes, or the people that are familiar with them, probably feel since they are needed on a 3 axis plane, they are also needed on a trike.
Here's another thought. I feel doing a 'controls check' on a trike is almost ridiculous. With a 3 axis plane, it is very important. With a 3 axis plane you are checking the numerous cables, pulleys, hinges and connections that make control of the airplane happen. In a trike, what do you have? A pivot point. I feel this is another bleed over from GA aircraft instruction. Don't get me wrong. I feel that the movement between the trike carriage and wing are important. This can be inspected during a preflight.
Hi. Regarding control check on flex I disagree. Flex pilots often use the airframe to mount equipment, instruments and cameras act. Ensuring full and free movement before leaving the ground I believe to be a good idea. Also if something within the airframe has changed due to hanger rash, heavy landing or missing bolt that wasn't visible during a glance up the wing tip, or was missed, would likely produce a different feel, or indeed an unfamiliar clunk during control checks. For the time it takes, why wouldn't you?
@@helimed01 I agree with you on 'adding cameras and such' (or an ASI LOL) to the control bar. I usually check that after I add the camera to make sure it will clear.
Hi Wayne, I hope all is well? I think the joy of trikes is they talk to you so you get that feedback about what is happening. The GA world has a very structured way of flying ( ex GA pilot myself) so having the speed reference is as important as the wings and harness.
Regarding your comment about checking the controls is all about leaving nothing to chance, so a final check as part of the CHIFWAP check is no bad thing as there is no hard should in the sky. I hope your snow goes soon.
I agree, I can fly without mine, but I do like to monitor from time to time. Happy flying Bro.
Cheers Ryan, I hope you are still flying safely over there? How is the weather this time of year?
It's finally turned cold here lol. Our true winter months are usually January and February. I can't wait to get back up again. I at least have CZcams when I can't fly.@@GolfFoxtrot22
@@FLYNRYAN1978 Same here, youtube for the rubbish days.
Great views Giles re the ASI, lovely views especially as I sit here with the rain hammering down and winds gusting 60mph plus. Next time would love to see you going to say hi to the balloons, I love it when gliders, Paramotors or microlights come to say hi when I fly my balloon.
Hi Martyn, I think we are experiencing the same winds and driving rain. I'll try and speak to the balloons next time they are up.
ASI in fixed wing is the only instrument I wouldn't want to be without. We were taught to fly on power settings if you lose your ASI. Good points Giles and interesting subject, I see where you are coming from. Loved the thumbnail.
Ahh, so maybe that would make a good video for you then, flying without an ASI in GOOPY🤣.
Great vid again, Giles. I treat my ASI like a God as it determines most of my decisions. But then, I sit inside a cockpit. I've never flown Sub70 but what you say makes complete sense 🤷🏼♂
Hi Kev, if we ever fly together, I'll have to put some tape over your ASI....only joking.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 Noooooooo!!!!!! 🤣
Don't worry, you'll work it out :P Have a good Christmas
@@GolfFoxtrot22 😆 You too! 🎄
Good video, good point well made… more to do with a comfort blanket really, but nothing wrong with that. In the end it’s ground speed you need. Though all very aircraft specific
Hi Neil, yes we all like our comfort blanket and mine is my Tacho and GPS. Hope to catch up at some point in 2024.
I purchased the same ASI before I received my trike. I was told not to put it on until I am flying on my own - still in a box in a cupboard somewhere. Mark one eyeball and feel. Happy Christmas ALL x
Hi Tony, it is really surprising how many things people want to buy for their machines and then end up not using. :)
Another factor, especially for the smaller Flex wings, you have a narrow speed range, and you can feel the wind speed on you. It's like motorbiking, you can guesstimate the speed by how much you are being pushed backwards.
As for inspirations in flying. Paul Whitehead, he was both a CFI at Church Fenton, and instructor at Dishforth RAF gliding club. More recently you. I wanted to start microlighting in 85, but I've not been in the position to get started until recently. I hope to start, and complete my PPLM in 2024.
Hi Simon, that is a very good factor for the Sub70 side that the speed range is just so small. From HOT to bar fully back is only 8 mph. Thank you for your story about Paul.
Absolutely agree! An ASI is a “delayed” reading that attempts to let the pilot know their angle of attack. It lies with different weight and G loading as well. If it’s stall we want to avoid, don’t push the bar to the stall position. All well said! BUT I find your argument correct on ALL trikes. Even the heaviest 1000+ lb REVO that stalls at 51mph does NOT need an ASI.
Hi Larry, I do agree with you on your "Heavier", I just didn't want to confuse people in the UK that do have to have an ASI as part of the permit approval for their aircraft. I'm sure we'll have time to have a natter at Sun and Fun next year :).
@@GolfFoxtrot22 I am referring to the usefulness of the gauge.
Ahh, is what you mean.
Your explanation makes perfect sense. Thanks for the video and Merry Christmas to you Giles! Not a ripple on Cassington Water and the turbines are out of a job. Great evening for flying!
Hi Tom, have you put a colour scheme together yet? Are you excited?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 I’m thinking either Blue/black or Flourescent green/ black. Out here in nowheresville I want to be visible if I have to be grounded out in the boondocks. Yes, excited. At this point I’m trying to decide on an engine. I’ve been poking around on the Facebook to find out more about the Polini 303 and US spec fuels.
@@tomcoryell Green and black definitely stands out.
I was taught and told, instruments are secondary and as for flying a sub which I did, its all a bit zen and about feel and response, but what do I know.... oh and after watching this, the days are now getting longer !
Hi Frizzle, good to see you again in the comments section. You comment makes sense and very valid and yes Sub70 does feel a bit Zen but a cool kind of Zen.. I can't wait for the longer night.
Hi Giles, really enjoyed your video. You know I am trying to convert. One thing that I have been hung up on is ASI and it’s apparent importance. You have lifted a weight from my shoulders. I have lessons booked and I am looking forward to them have a good Christmas . See you soon.
Hi Gerry, I'm really glad that the video has helped lift that weight, its why we say relax and let the aircraft doe the work, it knows better than we do. Looking forward to catching up in the new year.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 have a good break, I’m looking forward to next year 👍
I agree, an ASI is not necessary on a trike or hang glider. Fly by feel. I have had a Hall meter for 40+ years. Never flew with it on the HG, just used it to check the wind speed on the launch ramp. On the trike, I use it after a trim (or wing) change to compare the before and after, although most of the time I forget to look at it. I would like to find an inexpensive ASI with logging capabilities for overlaying airspeed onto a video. GPS ground speed, which is useful for range calculations, is built into my instrumentation panel that monitors the drive system.
Back in the 70's, hang gliders had very little bar pressure in any direction. We judged speed by sound. If the wing was flapping, you were flying too fast. If the wing went silent, you were in a stall. By the early 80's, designers had introduced sprogs (washout tubes), luff lines, billow shift, dihedral, battens, heavier & tighter sail cloth, etc. that not only made the gliders safer, but allowed the wing to give you feedback via control bar pressures. The only instrument I feel naked without is my altimeter/variometer, although I can fly without it.
Hi Mike, welcome to the channel and thank you for your thoughts. I completely agree that a VSI and Altimeter are my preferred instruments if I were to have but one device. I've only been flying flexwings for the past 4 years so I only have the likes of yourself that can explain where it has all come from and how our wings have become safe because of the developments of past pilots etc, so I thank you.
I full agree Giles with your thought on an ASI, I need one because I am flying a 3 axis and isolated from the air and have a trim system that can take me into or close to the danger of stall. For me when I flew paragliders and hang gliders I did not need any instruments but did like GPS for ground speed and position and a altemeter (with adjustable QNH) for vertical nav and a vario for thermaling.
It sounds like your instructor was the same as my old ATC power instructor. I did not have a mentor as such but in a way had a load of pilots that helped me develop when I flew floppies and hangies in Scotland (floppies in comps).
It is always interesting who has been "that Pilot/s" that have guided us?
Firstly, perfect quote from the RAF gent, and that links nicely to your point about the hands off trim speed 😁While flying, I agree, minimal use for the ASI, unless going some turns etc - but straight and level the trim state and engine revs define the airspeed and no need to check other than for information. A bit different for landing though - while my GT40 is definitely not a sub70, it was drilled into me in training not to let the airspeed drop below 60pmh solo, or 65pmh with a passenger, on final - and the Mk1 eyeball and Mk11 hearing doesn't quite cut it for that, but certainly once I'm over the numbers I'm not looking at airspeed at all - look ahead!!
Hi Mike, its quite interesting all the little hints and tips we have been given over the years and how they become part of our day to day flying habits. Its a good quote and he did seriously sound like that, well he did at the time anyway :)
Agreed 💯
Don't need an ASI
Learn to fly by feel. The wing when setup properly knows how to fly. We should just give it suggestions on direction 😂
Hi Doug, its amazing how you can tell by feel how fast you are going after a few flights. Do you have any funny instructor stories?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 It is amazing. The human body does ok sometimes. Hmmm, I'll have to think about that one. Mostly I was told to relax, let the wing fly. I tend to under control.
A very valid point and I guess the speed envelope that the sub 70 operates at, with its low stall speed, means there is plenty of room for manoeuvre and you don't need to nail exact landing speeds as you do with larger GA. Plus you can feel it in the wing, unlike GA aircraft. Great video, no concerns from me.
Hi Nat, even in the Quik R, it's all about feel. I know of one chap that doesn't even use the trimmer in his Flex, just flies it fully fast.
Great vid👍
When I was training, the instructor only had me check once the ASI coming in for landing, after that it was all eyes on field looking down runway at the appropriate time and feeling the aircraft after that. Have to agree, once you learn your aircraft and how it feels you don't need one.
All the best to you and yours in the new year.
Cheers
It really is amazing how little we need our instrumentation, it's more of a comfort blanket.
I bought one. Used it twice. Flogged it. My BivvyBee has three speeds. Hands off, a bit slower and a bit faster. I can tell which one I’m flying at by feel on the bar. Spend the money on beer instead. 👍
Did you get many pints for you ASI Paul? :)
Giles doesn't drink, what doi you think he spends all that saved money on?
But Giles, i still love my Hall ASI 😂🤣 you make some very good points though and completely agree that ground speed is more useful.
I hope you all have the best Christmas and looking forward to seeing you again soon for more shinanigans in the sky. 🤙
Hi Ian, it was good catching up last night and can't wait to see those magical glasses again at Darley Moor.
I tend to agree with you Giles. I only used my ASI on my first flight to see what the trim airspeed and speed range of the wing was. After that I never really needed it again. If I was doing cross country, which I don't do in the electric Peabee (not YET!), I would definitely use the GPS ground speed. I think trikes are unique in this way since the wing trims at the same speed all the time, whereas a fixed wing can trim at various speeds. Thoughts on that?
Hi Jonathan, good to see you in the comments again and I hope you are well? It is surprising how many people had an ASI and have now taken it off.
Thanks for the Great interesting videos and have a Wonderful Christmas Giles.... Look fwd to more next year from you and fellow flyers
Hi AL, I hope you have you model aircraft list ready for Santa and have you been good this year? :)
I believe as you explain quite well, that on a sub70, the best method would be the feel of the aircraft. I am quite disapointed, that I didn`t see you break the hall airspeed indicator!
Sorry, I completely forgot to break it as I went straight back up to chase the balloons ;)
It may be worth reminding people that sub70 flexwings are not microlights and that the majority of (section S) microlights are required to be fitted with an air speed indicator.
Hi Steve, that is very true S1303 states an Altimeter and ASI, although I thought a compass would have been just as useful.
SSDR being an exception, where there is no legal requirement for flight instruments
@@chrsfrwll indeed. TIL045, para 3.4 covers it.
hey Giles.. i only use ground speed .. and thats just on xc soar on my phone .. rarely look at it though only so i know how fast im going to get to a destination. so maybe more useful for navigation than anything else .
im sure you can agree its more of a feeling when your flying and you know how fast you need to be going in certain situations.
im very lucky to have my dad to teach me how to fly . without him i wouldnt have ever been off the ground . pretty sure you know my dad 😊😊
great to see a video 👍👍 the weather hasnt been nice to us latley has it .
have a great christmas and new year .. all the best 🎅🎅
Hi Chris, I hope you are well? I bet it was great to have your Dad teach you,, I'm guessing it is Colin. I can't wait for the better weather and longer days.
Nice flight and video 👍
Hi Lee, are you back on Nights?
I fly gyros my instructor used to put his foot over the ASI if he thought I was doing more that occassionally glance at it. His point waa the stick will tell you speed if thei airframe is level and your on minimum power to hold altitude your spot on. Gyros hang like trikes though. He personally didnt have one on his single seat gyro. One day a student pointed out he was mandated to have one so he got out a niko pen and drew one on. The student pointed out his niko asi didnt indicate mph or knots so he wrote on pineapples.
Hi Cameron, that's a really cool story about your instructor, I was trying to visualise the situation happening. I've yet to have a flight in an Autogyro but I do have a friend that has offered so I'm waiting for the flight with eagerness, and I'm sure it will be vlogged. The Pineapples bit did make me chuckle, he sounds a character.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 yes hes a character. This was over 30 years ago when I learned. We were all pretty much having to build our own machines back then. His point about the pineapples was a teaching moment. His point was like yours they can be inaccurate the hall gauge for example at any angle other than straight and level is not going to be perfect.
His method was to challange you in every way until he couldnt screw you up any further. So the moment you felt comfortsble hed notice and do something to screw you over. For example quitely put his hand out into the slip stream then yell at you for not holding it straight with rudder or cut the power at any given moment the start yelling at you to raise tension.
Gyros had and still have too many accidents. This was and still is largely around difficulties in effective instruction. We have very high wing loading because of the rotor so the feel between a dual and light single seater in stick feel is massive.
Back then the two seaters which were few in my country at that time there were 3 were rotax 583 powered machines so the empty weight might be 130kg but add two pilots and you had more than doubled that. We learned first in gyrogliders at our club then some dual powered then single seat transition. Because if you had a singke seater with the sane rotor and engine as the dual machibe the difference was massive.
Add to that complications with hand winding rotors etc. Now he had us do all this and he test flew our home built gyros when I first met him he'd already test flown 240 home built gyros.
Instead of getting rid of ground hops in single seaters and gyrogliders when two seat powered became available he just added the dusl power into the mix. It worked. I became a gyroglider instructor latter but almost every instructor rejected it (no profit for one it is a club thing). But Terry knew it was a powereful trsining tool because towed behind a car with no engine once solo it was lighter than any singke seater so stick feel was indentical and you learned everything about managing rotors by hand and eye.
It worked with him Training in the club over 16 years instructing in the gyroglider I never saw a single rotor bent in training. People would do stuip things like fly into powerlines occassionally refuse to make some modification he insisted on their precious new machine and wed hear theyd gone on their own and smashed up a machine. At the other club i gyroglider instructed at they didnt have a powered two seater and although id advise them on solo in the glider to get trsining with terry many refused as it was hours drive away. Some would smash thier machine others from the area trained with others entirely and almost all snashed at least one set of rotors. It was the wild west.
Today the dual machines are around 300kg empty weight far too heavy so they need far too much engine too tall a mast too expensive. Etc. As a result some modern gyros do fly well but only because they have a 914 or 915. And none of them fly like our old rotax 503 powered 115kg empty weight machines in terms of take off distance (without massive head wind).
So now the difference between dual ans solo is really in our terms of getting out of a machine with 3 passangers into a machine with 2. Most modern gyros have massive heavy rotors still littlr movement required but heavy on the stick compared to a light sngle seater.
Most use prerotation which combined with longer rotors actually increases take off distance theyll tell you they shortenen it but they dont. They overspeed rotors now then try to catch them before they spin down and hinge/flap. Anyway the post is too long already. Have a fly with your mate. The UK scene is better than mist in terms of safety but compared to the old days the UK scene was better. If your realky interested look up some of the old timers like Shirely Jennings she wrote a book spinning in the wind which gives a real flavour of the old days.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 heres video from the old club i learned in the two seat aircommand is being instructed by Terry the guy i was describing and he is also flying the gyroglider czcams.com/video/PzY43nJVhn0/video.htmlsi=KZXE8jsZCjQy9rCS
@@GolfFoxtrot22 and here is a light gyro closer to your sub 70 weight or as close as possible this machine probably about 115kg empty 503 rotax. Turn off the music. This is ine of Terrys students steve a mate who saddly died a few years after this drom lung issues. This shows beatifully that even hand winding if taken gradually that is correctly will get you off the ground in short distance. No 28ft rotored machine can get off in this distsnce without a 20mph headwind. Modern machine are too heavy. czcams.com/video/36ogAzGGyG4/video.htmlsi=ngIicNdSn1ar3B0X
@@GolfFoxtrot22 heres a musteeing pilot showing what is great about gyros czcams.com/video/UchU_mvRENU/video.htmlsi=mJm0gwpMpOiqdTo0
good vid giles and enjoy your xmas
Hi Frosty and I wish you a good Christmas as well. Glad you enjoyed it. Did it help in anyway?
Your vids always want me to fly with you have and I be booking some flights in the new year mate 👍
Fingers crossed for 2024 and some flyable weather.
Totally agree Giles....ASI not needed at all...i only need to know ground speed so i know i will get back before it's dark😂
Hi Shane, and that you do with style. Hope to see you in the new year at DM or your strip.
Hi Giles, Having been flying GA Aircraft for more years than I care to recall, I am definitely in the " Boys Want Toys " mindset....... it is to some degree becoming the norm in 'Sub 70' for their pilots/owners to also crave the " Boys Want Toys " mindset.
I am inclined to think that some 'Sub 70' flyers are of the mindset that " They need an ASI because it acts as a Safety Blanket " In Flight I am far more focused on what my Groundspeed is for exactly the same reason that you focus on Groundspeed but obviously I am still very happy that as a GA Pilot I have the luxury of an ASI in the Panel ;-) Therefore if I ever seriously took up regular Sub 70 flying (* instead of just playing at it from time to time*) I would keep/find the Hall ASI to be an ' Essential Add On '
Now, I am going to pose another question that as Sub 70 is a Weight Restricted Flying Machine (* I know you are personally operating as a SSDR so not so Weight Restricted *) so the question is only aimed purely at Sub 70 flyers but I am sure you will want to answer as it is relevant:
Sub 70 is a simple recreational flying machine that in your opinion doesn't need an ASI..... Are there other Non essential add on's that you feel are surplus to requirements?
Let's look at: " Is an Altimeter essential? " As Sub 70 is a VFR only flying machine I am sure that height recognition can also be gauged by the Human Eye, so should the Altimeter be discarded?
Let's look at: " Is the Compass essential? " As Sub 70 is a VFR only simplified flying machine I am sure that VFR Navigation & recognition can also be gauged by the Human Eye, so should the Compass also be discarded?
My Point is that " If an ASI is not essential.... I am guessing that an Altimeter is possibly not essential either? I threw the Compass into the mix because it won't actually be 100% accurate on many flights? "
To back up the above paragraph " if a Sub 70 is being flown by any sensible person I am guessing that they consider a GPS as an 'Essential Add On' so it should have the ability to display a GROUNDSPEED as well as GPS ALTITUDE ( *Altitude NOT Height Above Ground*) & also have the ability to show the Track to desired waypoint ;-)
" I did note that if I am not mistaken.....You set a QFE on returning to Darley Moor " so perhaps you do consider an Altimeter to be Essential.
" You thought you might get a healthy debate on this podcast " I hope you see my content as a healthy discussion for further thoughts ;-)
Personally, I think as long as all the 'Toys that Boys Want' can be fitted under the 70kg limit, it is just personal preferences ;-)
Hi Peter, lots of points there so I'll try and comment from my thoughts.
I would reconsider the term playing at Sub70 as everything below 600kgs is all recreationally flying, we fly because we want to and for fun. Because it's fun and our hobby, we like customise our aircraft. I'd say that a compass and altimeter with the ability to set the subscale would a good base level.
The main point of the video was to show that for a light machine like the PeaBee or the NINE can be safely flown without an ASI. Any GA pilot should be able to fly without an ASI, its part of the syllabus.
From my experience a very large proportion of Sub70 pilots are capable and competent. I put this down to the respect and cost of the machines, so they seek out training.
I hope that covers most of your points.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 On the basis that I consider that " I am playing in Aircraft up to 5700kg " & sometimes " flying seriously in heavier Aircraft " I don't think I need to reconsider the " playing at Sub70 " remark ;-)
As Sub 70 are Recreational Fun Aircraft I am just questioning whether I would enjoy the Sub 70 Experience if I didn't have an ASI to rely on? ( Yes, I have done ASI failure training & it raised my Blood pressure !!! ).
Not being that competent on Sub 70 I would prefer to have an ASI but I do take onboard that an ASI might not be essential on a PeaBee, I am not sure I share your opinion that a 'Nine' could be safely flown without an ASI ??? I would imagine the 'Nine' could easily be pushed through it's VNE in a shallow descent/dive?
As Sub 70 is a VFR Only Hobby I am not so sure a Subscale Altimeter is essential ( but quite handy ) I would happily rely on a Standard Altimeter with the knowledge of the field elevation being noted in my flightplanning ;-) ( or even rely on the GPS Altimeter as a reference to my flightplanned notes ).
@@peterkelseyferryair2396 I've flown the NINE for about 8 hours and unless you pull it into a steep spiral dive, you can't get close the to VNE. You have to generate a stall entry with power to get it close to VNE (check flight method). You don't need an ASI on a Nine either, the bar position and your attitude gives you all the information that you need.
Any aircraft in the smaller category, medium twins and less, can be flown safely with proper use of power and attitude. Yes, you do need to practice and be aware of what the proper attitudes are for each flight regime, climb, level descent etc, but it is not hard.
If you cannot deal with being minus a functioning ASI, then perhaps you need to up you basic skills.
Cheers
Hi Laurie and welcome to the channel. You do raise some interesting points and areas for discussion. I hope you enjoy the content.
Yeah I had a Hall on my Adam but I took it off. Never even looked at it. Has anyone mounted a speed bar? Sometimes I feel like I could use more nose down pitch control when I hit gusts and thermals.
Hi Ed, I initially mounted my on the bar but I couldn't find a clear air position. The Adam wing really doesn't want to nose down does it?
Nice Giles. You know what I think. If you looking for an indicator to tell you your speed on approach, you doing it wrong! Right, next video.
Hi David, I'm guessing you are back in the UK then. Enjoy the catch up.
Agree, I haven't had an ASI on any of my Trikes...but I do find GPS (ground speed) very useful.
PS: what mount are you using for the Sky Echo?
Hi Damian, the GPS speed is just so useful for longer flights. I've tried looking for the ETSY location but they seem to have stopped selling the mount, I'll try and find out why.
Maybe it could be useful for unusual attitudes (spiral dives) to be sure not to exceed VNE. Or to know your at or below rough air max speed? I guess if you know where the bar position is for the airspeed in those situations then then you would probably not need the asi .
Hi Gayle, I see where you are coming from but to get into those situations where you are getting close to VNE, you have to really get something like the PeaBee really out of shape and ignored all of the signs leading up to it. The Bar position is a very good indicator for speed.
I don't fly a flex-wing, sub-70 or otherwise. What I fly is somewhat different. I can understand that you can feel the onset of an impending stall (not something that affects us - we cannot stall, even if we stop dead in the sky), but how can you tell when you are approaching Vne without an ASI ? Or, maybe Vne is as meaningless to you as "stall" is to us.
(If we go above Vne, it's the only time that "stall" becomes a serious concern - retreating blade stall on a teetering rotor system is going to lead to a fairly bad day).
To get a flexwing to VNE you really have to be putting the aircraft is a deliberate unusual attitude, primarily stalling it nose high and then in the recovery fully bar back and apply full power. Every sense you have will be screaming to you this is wrong to hold and sustain it to VNE. You can't get a flexwing to VNE in straight and level flights it just climbs. Stalling is the same, you have to have the bar full on the front strut, with no clue or sense that the bar pressure is high, lack of roll control etc, everything is telling you, you are now nearing the critical angle of attack. In a flexwing the whole aircraft just tells you what is going on. Hands off trim is so obvious, you really don't need an ASI. I hope that helps.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 - It does. Thank you for the detailed answer. I figured it might be something like that. I'll get up in a flex-wing, one day, but I don't anticipate that the experience will prompt any thoughts of selling my gyrocopter even though they do look like good raw flying fun ;) .
@@halfrhovsquared the joy of aviation is we take from it what we want. I have a friend that sold his flex and bought an autogyro so I'm looking forward to having a flight in one. Thanks for your comment. It's always good to see other perspectives.
@@GolfFoxtrot22 - They are surprisingly capable and resilient to winds and turbulence, especially for such a tiny little insect.
I have gone flying when the winds have grounded pretty much everything else at our airport.
We can get into or out of any field that you guys can utilise and our cruising speed is fairly on-par (if maybe a little slower because our rotors create a heck of a lot of drag).
Performance-wise, we are very close cousins and I would argue that nothing beats the open-cockpit experience in terms of the feeling of flying and the fantastic visibility it affords.
I hope that you go up in a gyro and make a video of the experience.
@halfrhovsquared it's definitely one I want to vlog.😁
Never mind the ASI( you don’t need it ).. where did you get that spinner!
Hi Mark, the spinner is custom made. I have a second one that I was going to sell but I wasn't sure if I was going to get it painted. Do you like it?
@@GolfFoxtrot22 I think it looks great Giles.. I imagine it’s mainly aesthetic being sat there behind you, but who cares.. Would look good on my Factory R / Maverick 😂
Hi Mark, a lot of the GT flexwings have a spinner but they do look good. Drop my a DM on instagram Flexwing_flier22 if you are interested in my spare. They are not cheap to make unfortunately.
what model airctaft is it?
Hi Eric, do you mean model as in, type of aircraft? If so it is the Flylight PeaBee www.peabee.co.uk.flylight.co.uk/peabee-2/ I hope that helps.
Well you can guess my view 😁
You old hang glider pilot you...:) Your comment did make me smile.