John Galloway wrote:
Thanks Bill.

You detail the historical background to the paradox
implicit in the 'Avoiding VNE' thread that a glider
can be, at one and the same time, both technically
within its operating limits, and also in an irrecoverable
situation - i.e. if it is flying in a fast, accelerating,
steep angle configuration (leaving those as vague terms
as the values will vary between types) - even assumming
a hypothetical empty airmass of infinite size and zero
turbulence.

This is a bit unfortunate for those who find themselves
in that situation and I think that it would be nice
if gliders that are within their limits had the capability
of not exceeding them if it is technically possible.

It would be nice, and it is technically possible, but perhaps not
economically viable, judging by the number of manufacturer that offer
them. "Speed-limiting" gliders are available; for example, the Ka-6E and
other gliders designed to the speed-limiting standards, and gliders with
trailing edge dive brakes.

Personally, I think other things are more likely to kill me, so I would
prefer money and research effort be spent on more crash-tolerant
cockpits, pilot rescue systems, spin resistance, spoilers and canopies
that won't open when left unlocked, and simpler, more reliable
self-launching systems.
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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA