On Thursday, August 30, 2012 6:38:55 PM UTC-6, John Cochrane wrote:
On Aug 30, 6:01*pm, J-Soar wrote:

Thanks Brad and John.



I should have been more descriptive. I was referring to the mylar gap seals that cover the joint between the aft edge of the wing and the flaperon.. The flow fences at the root didn't seem to be a problem, so I have left them on. I just removed the mylar seals, and got much less resistance to the stick movements.



I wanted to make sure it was safe to fly without them for the first flights. I know they probably help with gliding performance, so I will later probably follow some good advice in a direct email and just install them on the bottom surface.



Thanks again,

Jerry Booker



So now we're adding up new pilot, new glider, new manuevers (crow-

hops) not practiced with other gliders before, glider not flown by

instructors the pilot can get checked out by, new tow method (ground

not air) and, the latest, uncertain status of mylar seals and other

"improvements" to the control system, so glider flying in unknown and

un-test flown configuration. All at once.



I think enough advice has been dispensed in this thread about useful

approaches to glider test flying, transitions to new gliders, etc.

etc. It doesn't seem to be sinking in though. I hope someone at the

airport where this all is going to happen will perk up.



John Cochrane

John, I have deep respect for your views on many subjects, but here you are just plain wrong. All the "issues" you raise above are precisely why this first 'flight' should be a "crow hop". There is exactly zero chance of the pilot getting hurt and virtually no chance of dinging the glider. But, there is an excellent chance of uncovering problems which could prove fatal if an aero tow is attempted.

Despite it being done tens of thousands of time in the whole history of gliding, I don't think there is a single incidence of pilot injury from a minimum energy "crow hop". I have it on excellent authority that no ground launch sign off is needed for a "crow hop" since it really isn't a launch of any kind - just the glider equivalent of taxi tests.

What I find revealing in the hand wringing is an apparent terror of takeoff rolls and landings rolls which is all a "crow hop" is. Maybe you folks need more practice. Go do some "crow hops" and get back to us.