Bill Daniels wrote:
"Marc Ramsey" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
Hey Marc - The Duo spoilers are much maligned,
but often the problem is the wheelbrake.

Huh ?

Well, the wheelbrake engages at the end of the spoiler
travel. The mechanism is, well, um, even though its a
Cleveland wheel, the mechanism and hydraulics are
shall we say a bit confused.
You may be right, our Duo had a great wheelbrake (almost disconcertingly
so), but relatively poor spoilers. That's not the say they were a
problem, just that one developed slightly different techniques for
arriving in an elegant fashion. In particular, in calm conditions I
preferred long shallow finals. In hairier situations, a slipping turn to
final with full spoilers allowed excellent control over descent rate, with
the added benefit that I could actually see the runway from the back seat
;^)

I think the Duo Discus X does a great job of addressing the glidepath
control issue (imagined or not). When I win the lottery, after I order my
Antares, the DDX comes next...

Marc

I think the Duo's airbrakes are better than many people think. The Duo is a
big heavy glider with lots of inertia. It doesn't like to change direction
quickly. That includes its behavior on sudden airbrake deployment. You
don't get a lot of sink right away.

My first reaction was that the airbrakes were weak but a little more
experience showed me that with a little patience, the brakes took effect and
produced a respectable decent rate. The Duo just makes you plan ahead a
little more than with a light single seater.

Bill Daniels


I've flown plenty in the Duo and while the dive brakes are not the most
powerful around, they do just fine. One is hard pressed to find a
glider that handles as well, with great performance. I wish I still had
it, and look forward to the day when I can order another Duo.