Scratching where it doesn't itch

[Trytofly]

I've got a 1999 windlass with an Aquilla I, 14m2 wing (it doesn't always itch).
The scratching question is: Are there any modifications (not moodleyfications) that can be done to the wing to make it perform/handle better? Almost like a "New and improved formula".

[Duck Rogers]

I can't help you, but I feel an itch coming on...

[johnsa]

don't scratch Duck, go to the docter before you get an infection of the skin.....

[Stephan van Tonder]

You can't modify the wing itself much. You can change the position of the hangpoint slightly to give you a little more speed if it's not there already(or buy in-flight trim). The only way to get more speed is to change the wing for another with less surface area.

[LarryMcG]

Wrong, you can get more speed, by adjusting the wing tension, batton profiles, luff lines etc. Can also make the wing heavier or lighter, with correct adjustments.

But dont fiddle yourself, take it to an expert, or ask someone who knows.

LM

[AndyG]

Agree with Larry,

I used to have the old large windlass wing. Was flying at 47mph and had a heavy pull to the right when I bought it. Dave from Solowings came up and did some adjustments and a few test flights. 40 minutes later I had a wing that handled like a dream and was cruising at 52mph.

[Stephan van Tonder]

OK so that is 5mph difference in setup. Realistically how much speed change can you get from changing the rigging?.
So then from there - let's say his specific wing is already setup for the best speed?. As far as I'm aware then the only way is either more HP or less wing surface.

[Trytofly]

I don't want more speed as such. That is why we fly trikes. I did my test flight at la Mercy about 5 years ago. We took off at about 12:30. There was a bit of a wind. We flew in Daves Aerotrike ZU-CMA, fitted with an Aeros wing. It did not flinch (thermals etc) OK it was middle May, but I would not have as a comfortable ride in my trike as I would in CMA. What makes an Aeros wing differant from an Aquilla wing? What makes an Aquilla I wing differant from an Aquilla II wing?

[kloot piloot]

Stephan, horsepower generally gives climb rate, but not always speed.

LarryMcG is right. As you mentioned, your wing is 10 years old. Tweaking battens, leading edge- and trailing edge tension adjustment, spreader bar tensioning and subsequent hang point position should give you between 5 and 9 knots difference. These wings and the cloth are very strong, and if the density test of the cloth is confirmed, you can really spruce up an old wing !

P.S. Nobody answered your question. No, there are no MODS. But tweaking a wing is limitless, within borders !

[kloot piloot]

TryToFly, after 5 years, you cannot compare what you experienced then with what you are feeling now. A first flight on a specific wing always feels (memory) better. By now you know what it feels like being "bliksemmed".

Tweak your wing, get confidence in your wing, and you will fly like it was yonks ago with ZU-CMA.

If you don't feel happy, PM me and I will refer you to a local hang glider pilot to help with tweaking your wing.

[Boet]

Of gaan sit in n hoek tot die geit bedaar het.

[kloot piloot]

Of gaan sit in n hoek tot die geit bedaar het.
Of gaan sit in n hoek tot die geit bedaar het.

Sies Boet, vra verskoning. Jy was ook al daar en nou is jy hier .

TryToFly is nou ook hier. Kom ons sorteer die problem uit.

P.S. Boet was nog altyd 'n bliksem, of dit nou die "movies" was of op RSG. "Boet is de bliksem in". "Boetie gaan border toe". "Boetie op Manuoevres".

Boet ... , eendag.

[Boet]

Jou hulp gaan die arme man n helse klomp geld kos. En nee, ek is NIKS moelik nie. Moet net nie sonder jou blou kaartjie probeer vlie nie. Hoe gaan dit??

[kloot piloot]

Blou kaartjie ? Now stress ek !

[Boet]

hoe gaan dit?