unit is used. When first getting SELECTION AND LAYOUT started in the soaring game, it will he better to practice accurate flying with the rather OF SAILPLANE INSTRUMENTS than to rely on a total energy device to remove "stick-thermals" which by ROBERT B. SMITH you build in. First we need a real sensitive va­ riometer for the weak conditions. A pellet·type or the low.range dial-type are good, however the pellet-type is more susceptible to dust or moisture. On the other hand, they are less ex­ pensive than the dial.type. Secondly. we need a of at least the 0 to 2000 feet per minute range. This is necessary as on f!;ood thermal or wave lift days the low.range variometer will be off the scale and becomes of little use. The low-range variometer is usually off scale when 011 tow, and you will have The selection and layout of in­ The Getabery ASI is an excellent to use the larger scale instrument to struments for sailplanes is a matter instrument in the moderatc price indicate any lift over and above that of individual choice and financial range. well marked and available in which the 'tow plane is giving you. limitations. This article is intended this country. It is better not to try to The "Memphis," by Indi­ as a guideline for the many new buy the least expensive airspeed in­ cators Co .. is one of the best. but is pilots getting started with their own dicator, the more expensive ones are expensive 'and is about as plentiful sailplanes for I am sure they will the better buy in the long run. as "hen's teeth." There are several later improve on the quality and The artificial horizon or the elec­ o to 2000 ft./min. rate of climbs of form their own opinions as to the tric turn and bank are expensive foreign manufacture that are avail. layout they prefer. and probably would not be of much able thru the classified section of The illustration shows a basic in· help except for pilots with previous Soaring or f TOm Schweizer Dealers. strument group which should be ade­ flying experience. The surplus vacu­ Although not as sensitive as the quate for the beginner, and after he um turn and bank is available for "Memphis!' neither are they as ex­ is proficient with these and his sail­ much less and the instrument may be pensive, and they will be adequate. plane, he may think of more and bet­ used for the ball-bank portion to in­ Some of the sources of instruments ter ones. dicate slip to the center of the can­ are classified ads in the back of The may be either of the opy on the outside or tied to a short Soaring magazine, Schweizer Deal· standard or the sensitive type. The wire mast in front of the canopy. ers, Trade-A-Plane ads, and the "Get· standard type is available for $10.00, The is of use in cross· abery" airspeed is available from the sensitive type is much better but country flying, but will not help to G.F:. Tabery, 4906 Gren St., Houston is about three times as expensive. keep the sailplane in the air. 21, Texas. Except for cross-country and compe­ The most important instruments tition flying, the old standard alti­ are the , as they indicate Before you spend much money on meter is acceptable and the money that which keeps the sailplane in the instruments for your sailplane, dis­ saved may he used for better instrtl­ air. They must be used with a good cuss the matter with some of our top ments in the airspeed and variometer airspeed indicator, as a change in competitive pilots. they may be able class. The altimeter you select should airspeed will indicate lift or sink in to give you some excellent help ill have sufficient altitude range for the smooth air unless a "total energy" getting your money's worth. area in which you expect to fly. Usually the :15.000-ft. will he ade­ quate. THE The airspeed indicator is a re­ quired instrument for nearly all sail. CROSSFELL planes. and seldom do you see one without it. However, many are too ELECTRIC sluggish and tell you what your air· speed was, not is. The helicopter airspeeds are excellent but expensive. VARIOMETER • The speed of response and variable sensitivity of this instrument BUILD the little, all· metal D·B make it unsurpassed for indicating thermals. sailplane. 32-ft. span. Eas)' to build - rugA"ed. Engineered by • Available from U.S. stock at $97.00. f.o.b., Altadena, Calif. designer of world· famous aircraft. Licenlooe experimental (amateur­ • Total Energy and Audio attachments also available. built). CAM pan 1. Plans, includ· sole U.S. distributor write descriptit'e literature ing full·scale rib and bulkhead jor lll)'outs - only $29.95. Specs, 3­ 2420 N. LAKE AVE. view. description - $1.00. Pacific Aircraft Company, 5942 Avenida METEOROLOGY RESEARCH INC. ALTADENA, CALIF. Chamnez. La Jolla, California. MAY .•• 1962 " ,