2
Hornet Pilot handling guide – June 09
General notes on conversions
1. Your conversion to a new type must be authorized by an instructor who has flown
the aircraft type.
2. He/she must outline the important features of the aircraft.
3. You should not do your first conversion in crosswind or gusty conditions.
4. Spend some time getting comfortable with the cockpit layout.
5. Get someone to lift the tail to show the takeoff and landing nose attitudes.
Basic Overview
The Hornet is a 15m unflapped sailplane constructed of fibreglass manufactured by Glasflügel. The
aircraft is a perfect first cross country glider with forgiving characteristics. The aircraft has
retractable undercarriage, trailing edge airbrakes and water ballast bags in the wings. The Hornet is
the first cross country glider in the club fleet. Minimum hours to fly the Hornet are 40 hours total
with 20 hours single seater experience.
External Features
Airbrakes
Trailing edge speed limiting type
Flaps
Not fitted
Wings
15m with winglets
Undercarrige
Retractable with alarm
Tailplane
T-tail
Limitations
V
ne
Max permitted speed
135 knots
V
a
Max manoeurvring speed
81 knots
V
ra
Max rough air
81 knots
V
t
Max aerotow speed
73 knots
V
w
Max winch / autotow speed
81 knots
Max airbrake operation speed
135 knots
Max All Up Weight (MAUW) with water ballast
420 kg
Min cockpit weight, including parachute
74 kg
Max cockpit weight, including parachute
103 kg
Wing Ballast Capacity
100 kg