On Aug 19, 2:55*pm, Dave Nadler wrote:
On Saturday, August 18, 2012 9:25:58 PM UTC-4, son_of_flubber wrote:
... I can ease into using the flaps.

That is one of the most dangerous things you can do with a flapped glider..
Do your homework and make sure you understand why.
If you've had a CFI briefing and aren't clear on this,
find another CFI with more appropriate experience.

You'll love the glider and the landing flaps !
But be safe and get proper training first !
I've watched some really unfortunate results
when proper training didn't precede flying...

Best Regards, Dave

There's very little good advice missing in the 1-35 and HP "First
flight with flaps" reviews, and do a thorough search in the posts over
the years in this group. Ignore the ones that say "just jump in and
fly it and use the flaps like spoilers". With a mile-long runway,
there is a safe way to "..ease into using flaps." That doesn't mean
don't use any flaps, but you probably don't want to put out all 90 on
your first try (The HPs have more than either 1-35 versions I
believe). As I recall, the POH advises to put in 25deg in the pattern.
Once you know you have the field made, you can add more flaps as long
as you still have the field. Someone made a comment that is straight
to the point; something like "If you are low with flaps out and you
aren't going to make the field, there's nothing you can do but land
short". Many caution not to carry too much extra speed in the flair,
since you can use that mile up in ground-effect with lift-enhancement.
Since you do have extra flaps in your practice flts, you add more to
increase drag. You have a wheel brake and front skid. Going neutral
should keep you planted. On TO, I go to -8 until there's enough air
for roll control, though I wouldn't worry about on the first flights.
Yes, talk to a CFI about theory, but if he/she doesn't have experience
in flap-only ships, then talk to someone who does in your type. Isn't
there a one-off dual-place HP still flying out there one could get
instruction?