GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG D-73230 KIRCHHEIM/TECK GERMANY
Modifications reserved. No liability for printing errors
12/2010
0062196
22
way down the valley, the cool air meets warm air flowing gently uphill, and pushes it up and
away as if cut off by a knife. The result is an extremely powerful but bumpy thermal bubble.
The pilot’s task is to locate the rising warm air and centre your model in it. You will need to
control the glider constantly to keep it centred, as you can expect the most rapid climb rate in
the core of the thermal. Once again, this technique does demand some skill.
To avoid losing sight of the model be sure to leave the thermal in good time. Bear in mind
that the aircraft is always easier to see under a cloud than against a clear blue sky. If you
have to lose height in a hurry, do bear the following in mind:
The structural strength of the
Alpina 3001 ELEKTRO
is very great, but it is not infinite.
Speed flying
in F3B style is
only
permissible with the flaps set to neutral. If you wish to
expand the model’s speed range and potential applications, we recommend applying a GRP
skin to the flying surfaces.
Set up your landing approach with plenty of height in hand, and deploy the braking system to
achieve a steep final approach so that the model is close to the ground for the minimum
period of time. The “regulation” square approach, consisting of downwind leg away from you,
cross-wind leg and a straight approach with butterfly / crow system extended and final flare
will help preserve the model, the pilot and any spectators.
Flying at the slope
Ridge soaring is an extremely attractive form of model flying. Flying for hours on end in slope
lift, without needing any outside aid for launching, must be one of the finest of modelling
experiences. But to “milk” a thermal to the limits of vision, bring it down again in a continuous
series of aerobatic manoeuvres, and then to repeat the whole show - that must surely be the
last word in model flying.
But take care - there are dangers for your model lurking at the slope. Firstly, in most cases
landing is much more difficult than at a flat field site. It is usually necessary to land in the lee
of the hill where the air is turbulent; this calls for concentration and a high-speed approach
with last-minute airbrake extension. A landing on the slope face, i.e. right in the slope lift, is
even more difficult. Here the trick is to approach slightly downwind, up the slope, and flare at
exactly the right moment, just before touch-down.
A further danger is failure of the slope lift or thermal when the model is in a difficult position,
resulting in a risky landing in the valley, but there are ways of reducing that risk. Study the
valley floor before you launch, and seek out a possible landing site there. Walk down and
study the site so that you know where any landing approach obstructions are, and whether
the “local” wind is as you would expect it. If an out-landing is unavoidable it is best to land
just as at a flat field site with a standard approach and a short, straight final leg with brakes
deployed. Keep the model in your line of sight at all times over the planned landing site, as
this avoids the danger of an uncontrolled landing. Follow these hints and you will safely
reach the site. If the sun is shining you will be able to judge the model’s height by the
distance between the model and its own shadow, and this will allow you to land with
considerable accuracy “way down there”.
Never give up
; thermals can be found very low down. However, once you have initiated the
landing approach do continue and make a landing, as you are unlikely to find real lift that low.
With luck you will manage a soft landing. Now take your time to note the landing position and
