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Thread: Handling the bumps

  1. #11
    Senior Member
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    Default Re: Handling the bumps

    Quote Originally Posted by efwd View Post
    Here is one way to stabilize an approach.

    Youtube this. "Cessna 150 vs CYOS Crosswinds"

    As others have said, sometimes you make it worse by over controlling it. Ride the bumps, don't fight it.

  2. #12
    Guy Buchanan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Handling the bumps

    I’ve seen at least one Kitfoxer pop their skylight with their head.

    Takeoff is more of the same. For landing I go into “dithering” mode, where my hand never stops moving, (feet too, near the ground.) I get much quicker correction than if I wait for something to happen.
    Guy Buchanan
    San Diego, CA
    Deceased K-IV 1200 / 912uls / 70" Warp 3cs

    gebuchanan@cox.net

  3. #13
    Senior Member fastfred's Avatar
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    Default Re: Handling the bumps

    When you say ride it out you mean trim out and let go of the stick?

  4. #14
    Senior Member aviator79's Avatar
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    Default Re: Handling the bumps

    Don't let go of the stick. Just accept altitude deviations (within limits). When you get in an updraft, don't shove the nose over, and when you hit the downdraft on the other side, don't yank the stick back and add power. Just ride the currents up and down.

    Another thing to keep in mind is that as a pilot, you probably acclimate to turbulence to some extent. Your passengers, not so much. So keep their comfort in mind too. Even if you're having a good time riding a bucking bronco, if you plan to have the wife or girlfriend (can't have both in the Kitfox) on board, reduce your go/no-go threshold for winds/turbulence.
    --Brian
    Flying - S7SS

  5. #15
    Senior Member fastfred's Avatar
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    Default Re: Handling the bumps

    That is for the updrafts what about the side drafts that rock the wings?

  6. #16
    Senior Member Dorsal's Avatar
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    Default Re: Handling the bumps

    One tip is if you climb above the first layer of clouds or "bump layer" things often smooth out. This should be roughly (temp-dewpoint)*250' or the altitude where temp and dew point cross. This is a bit hand-wavy but I find works as a rule of thumb for mid afternoon convective turbulence.
    Temp in degrees f.
    Dorsal ~~^~~
    Series 7 - Tri-Gear
    912 ULS Warp Drive

  7. #17
    Senior Member Slyfox's Avatar
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    Default Re: Handling the bumps

    yup fly in the morning, most the time it's better. slow down, yup that works also. put max fuel in, yup that works as well. I know for a fact that when I shortened my wings to speedster that helped a bunch. I can fly with another kitfox long wing and he will be complaining of the turbulence and I'm just fine and I'm flying right next to him. my final fix for turbulence, ha, fly the RV.
    steve
    slyfox
    model IV 1200-flying
    912uls
    IVO medium in-flight
    RV7A-flying
    IO-360
    constant speed prop

  8. #18

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    Lincolnton, NC
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    Default Re: Handling the bumps

    Ride Em Cowboy! I flew so many hours in a Rans S4 with a 503 that I really like flying the Kitfox in just about any conditions! As long as the turbulence doesn't flip me over!!

  9. #19
    Senior Member fastfred's Avatar
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    Default Re: Handling the bumps

    Can it really flip it over? It sometimes feels like it but I didn't think could happen?

  10. #20

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    Default Re: Handling the bumps

    It would have to be extremely bad and turbulent. I've never had it that bad.

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