Flight Manual LS1-f
Issued May 2011
4.9
Copyright DG Flugzeugbau GmbH - any copy or publishing prohibited
4.4
Normal procedures and recommended speeds
4.4.1
Aerotow
Due to the central towhook position being in the middle of the fuselage and
the good effectiveness of the ailerons and rudder, the possibility of wing
dropping or ground loops, even on a slowly accelerating aerotow is
reduced. Take-off with strong crosswind is possible.
If only a C.G. release is installed, then the aerotow is to be executed with
this one.
Set trim to full nose down for aerotow.
Hold the stick in the forward position.
Don't try to lift off before you reach an airspeed of 80 km/h (43 kts.)
(without ballast).
On a rough airfield hold the control stick tight.
Normal towing speed is 110-130 km/h (59-70 kts.).
For a cross country tow the speed can be as high as 170 km/h (92 kts.).
Caution:
If an additional tow release for aerotow is installed according to
TN59, only this release should be used for aerotow. Adjust the trim for aerotow
to fully nose down position.
In case the pitot pressure port is installed in the fuselage nose the ASI indication
may be lower than real during aerotow depending on cable ring position.
4.4.2
Winch launch
Winch launch is only allowed at the C.G. tow hook!
Set trim to nose down for a winch launch.
Use the normal winch launch procedure. After reaching safety altitude
gradually pull back on the stick so that the glider will not pick up excessive
speed.
After reaching release altitude pull the tow release knob.
The recommended winch launch airspeed is 110-120 km/h (60-65 kts.).
Caution:
Seat harness should be tightened firmly prior to take off. Backrest and
headrest should be adjusted to avoid the pilot sliding backwards due to
acceleration and during climb.
During the acceleration phase and initial climb the control stick must be held in
the forward position, to avoid excessive nose-up pitching rotation.
Warning:
Due to the low position of the C.G. hook there is a tendency for
pitching nose up during the initial launch. This tendency is more pronounced
with high take-off mass (e.g. full waterballast) and rear C.G. position. An abrupt
initial pulling of the winch increases the pitching-up tendency of the glider and
should be avoided.
Caution:
Do not fly at less than 100 km/h (54 kts.) or not more than 130 km/h
(70 kts.). Don’t retract the landing gear during lauch as the tow release is
mounted at the landing gear.
