Flight with asymmetric water ballast load
Asymmetric water ballast load may develop during flight if:
1. A main tank dump valve leaks.
2. One main tank dumps water faster than that the other, due to a
partial opening valve, or dumping during prolonged unbalanced
flight.
3. Only one main tank valve opens during water dumping.
A developing asymmetry is easily recognizable due to the increased roll
tendency towards the heavy wing. At low airspeed a considerable
amount of aileron deflection is necessary to keep the wings level.
When a developing asymmetry is observed, perform the following to
prevent full asymmetry developing:
1. If a lateral asymmetry is detected but no water was dumped
during the flight, there may have been a leak from one tank. The
procedure to follow is:
• Start to dump water.
• Monitor the change in roll tendency: If the roll tendency
reduces, keep dumping until symmetry is restored. Stop
dumping immediately if the roll tendency worsens.
If a lateral asymmetry develops while dumping water, one valve might
not have opened or opened partially. The procedure to follow is:
• Visually check if water is dumping from both wings (the water
trails can be seen below the wings near the fuselage, and at
the tips in the 18 m configuration).
• If both valves are dumping, keep dumping until both wings
empty.
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