Russia AC4b 030
This is my baby and I have had many fun flights with her.
She is nimble and fun, and has taken me to places I never thought I'd go in
a glider. I've been to 16,000 feet and up and down the mountain ranges
of San Diego's back country.
Modifications
The spar box (which is not structural) was damaged during
the factory demonstration flight. It was repaired by an FAA approved
shop that beefed it up with a couple of extra layers of glass. The
battery box is now attached to it in a very nice arrangement.
A Microair radio was added along with the electrical system
which powers the vario.
A oxygen bottle holder and oxygen bottle were added.
The front and rear tires had American tubes added to them.
The main gear has been 'slimed' and no longer leaks.
A mounting bracket for a Garmin GPS was added.
Take Off
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Altimeter set to field.
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Belts secure.
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Controls free and correct.
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Spoilers closed and locked.
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Trim forward.
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Canopy closed and latched.
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Check time.
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Wind Direction.
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Traffic Clear.
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The ailerons become effective very quickly as the glider rolls out on the
nose wheel. There is very little weight on the nose wheel and the
glider tracks behind the tow plane with minimal effort. The controls
are sensitive (like a 1-26) in pitch and roll. The first flight
requires the normal precautions to avoid PIOs; relax. I use a
two-finger grip below the brake with my arm resting on my leg.
As the plane gains speed make sure to lower the up-wind wing and raise the
nose slightly off the ground. Do not let the tail wheel touch the
ground, if it does, lower the nose immediately, relax, and bring the nose up
slowly. With the nose slightly raised and the up-wind wing lowered,
the plane will leave the ground smoothly when flying speed has been achieved
and you will look like a pro.
Landing
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Gear down and
locked.
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Flaps set to
landing.
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Wind direction
and speed.
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Airspeed at 47
kts + ½ wind.
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Trim forward.
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Traffic pattern
and ground.
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Spoilers
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I
use the rule of 45 for my pattern. The touchdown spot is 45 degrees
down when I am abeam it. When I can look back at the touchdown with 45
degrees, I turn base. My most common pattern speed is 60kts with
half-spoilers during base and final.
When the spoilers are pulled you need to lower the nose slightly.
As you approach the touchdown spot begin the round out. Align with the
runway using rudder, correct the drift with ailerons. I usually touch
down with extra speed to keep the glider parallel with the ground (wheel
landing). A low energy landing results in a tail-first touch down
followed by the main, and is a required skill for off-field landings.
You can maintain aileron authority until you stop.
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