Waiting

Thick cirrostratus associated with a warm front over eastern Germany and should clear, leaving a small window of weak conditions in the afternoon. First launch at 2 and not practice task set. I'll take a launch and practice dumping down ballast to suit the conditions. 

So how about a little bit more about the Arcus Turbo that Team Balak flew yesterday? Yes?... Nooooo!!?

I launched as I am more current with the area and high tow and I took the CFI for a check ride ;-) released in a thermal at around 600m and took us up in a nice 2m/s thermal which eventually totaled 8 to 10 other gliders. Although it was an unfamiliar aircraft and a crowded cercumstance, it was quite manageable with how easy the glider handled. For such a big bird it is very responsive. With the full span flaperons the bird will turn. The stick forces are nice and light over a large range of motion however I did feel that the rudder was was tricky to get used to from the back seat but this was a nonissue after flying for a little while. The back seat was even bigger and in a mote comfortal then the ASK21 I recon. And oh wow does that wing look great from the air!! 

I left the first thermal much lower that the top and headed of to find an empty climb. We then attempted to raise the undercarriage; we were advised on the ground that it would take the two of us to hoist it. And it sure did. Somehow on the first attempt Andy managed to somehow mash his finger in the locking groove. It was very heavy! Which is understandable as the max takeoff weight full of water ballast is around 800kg so you need a big strong wheel. But you can also see why they are moving to electric mechanisims. If we were to do it again we would defiantly fly a parabola to add negative G load to assist. In the cruise it is a bullet. We didn't even use full negative flap as this is only used for flying well above 200kph. I can only imagine how amazing this bird would go at VNE 50 feet off the deck. 

I recon Andy sure did enjoy his first flight in Poland. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face after we landed either.

All in all.. I want one!! I had a fantastic flight in a fantastic glider.