Foxfan Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 Hi all, I would love to try slope soaring, but I live in the dreaded Flatlands, where the only slope is probably the embankment of a local dyke. What is the minimum slope you can expect a PSS to work on? We do have a pretty constant wind though. Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Meade Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 I think you'd struggle to fly anything pss off a dyke, unless it was of a foamboard profile type I'm afraid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Walsh Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 Never done it myself but I am pretty sure a PSS would need a decent slope and a stiff breeze, they weren't designed as gliders. On a more practical note a glider with an electric motor would enable you to test just how small a slope you could use, if it's too small, a short burst of power will get you home safely and you can move on and try another location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 Are your flatlands anywhere near the coast? It’s astonishing how much lift you can find off sand dunes on the right day. Trevor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Walsh Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 Posted by Trevor on 17/08/2019 18:10:38: Are your flatlands anywhere near the coast? It’s astonishing how much lift you can find off sand dunes on the right day. Trevor Very true Trevor, a stiff sea breeze can make a big difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxfan Posted August 17, 2019 Author Share Posted August 17, 2019 I am somewhere near the coast, although it means a day out type of trip. Not exactly local. What's DLG, Steve J? I do have a powered glider and hope to fly it tomorrow from the normal field, but always wanted to try slope and especially PSS. Looks as if that'll have to be kept for that day out! Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxfan Posted August 17, 2019 Author Share Posted August 17, 2019 I always assumed the discus launch was only for flying wings. How is DLG relevant to flatlands? I've never seen it done. Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Chaddock Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 Foxfan You need enough slope for a sufficient 'volume' of air to be deflected upwards to give you have enough space to manoeuvre the plane and stay within the rising air area. A volume deflected by a small slope means you will have to stay close to the slope and as suggested use a small plane. It is of course a requirement that the slope is facing into the prevailing wind! Beach sand dunes do have the advantage that the wind tends to blow 'on shore' more often than not. 'Flat lands' are good for thermals so get good at finding them with your powered glider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatMc Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 Posted by Simon Chaddock on 17/08/2019 20:54:40: Beach sand dunes do have the advantage that the wind tends to blow 'on shore' more often than not. 'Flat lands' are good for thermals so get good at finding them with your powered glider. Dunno what makes you think that but it's not true of this part of the NE of England coast where the wind is off shore more often than on shore. Edited By PatMc on 17/08/2019 21:31:36 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly boy3 Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 I have seen a video sometime ago on the forum of a member slope soaring off sand dunes. I will try to locate it.Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxfan Posted August 17, 2019 Author Share Posted August 17, 2019 I have seen youtubes of dune soaring quite successfully. PatMc, my son lives up that way and it was being up there that made me think of slope soaring. Cheers, Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxfan Posted August 17, 2019 Author Share Posted August 17, 2019 DLG, Ye Gods, I'm not sure I could do that to a model! And I couldn't have anything that big. Martin Edited By Foxfan on 17/08/2019 22:41:06 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brokenenglish Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 Posted by Foxfan on 17/08/2019 22:20:36: I have seen youtubes of dune soaring quite successfully. PatMc, my son lives up that way and it was being up there that made me think of slope soaring. Cheers, Martin Yes, but Pat's post reflects the fact that, in our part of the world, you get onshore winds more often on a "west coast" than on an "east coast". Plus the fact that, IMO, successful dune soaring depends on identifying "special" spots that give "special" conditions, with a prevailing wind that is frequently "just right". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Lee Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 Years ago I flew a SAS Blob off the local 10 meter high sea defence wall and whilst I could stay airborne I quickly came to the conclusion it was all too marginal and never bothered to try again. No doubt a modern DLG would be better but I would not like to try any PSS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiKid Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 Hi Martin - there are quite a few models that will fly well off a small slope. A PSS model is not generally one of them though o/a of the generally high wing loading compared to a dedicated glider. DLGs generally have a 1.5m wingspan, but there are smaller 1m w/s versions that might suit what you have available. There are also small foam flying wings available that are fun. Here's a vid I shot years ago in poor light at a small man made lake, just pottering around with a variety of models - in order of appearance are: home made DLG, Dreamflight Alula wing, home made EPP Eagle, Elegance glider, Bird of Time glider. **LINK** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason-I Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 I fly my phoenix 2000 off my local sand dunes when the wind is blowing in straight off the sea. As the sand dunes are not very high, a good stiff breeze is required for a good flight 15-30MPH winds is my favourite range. At 30MPH+ winds I take my durafly Excalibur Here are a few vids of a chap dynamic soaring his Phoenix on sand dunes.... **LINK** **LINK** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxfan Posted August 18, 2019 Author Share Posted August 18, 2019 Looks like it ain't gonna happen round here as I don't have space for a huge glider, tempted though I am, but thanks for the links. Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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