Pilot Briefing Schleicher ASK-21 N421G
Updated September 2, 2016
File: ASK-21 Notes Burtt Compton GBSC 2016-09-02.doc Page: 7 of 10
STALLS. The stall will usually occur in this order:
1. Back Pressure on the stick.
2. Nose pitches up, but not always above the horizon.
3. Airspeed drops, under 40 knots.
4. Quiet (wind noise is less.)
5. Sloppy Controls, especially the ailerons.
6. Buffet. The airflow is separating from the wing.
Stall Recovery: Release Back Pressure on the stick.
Release back pressure on the stick if you notice any of the six items above.
Note that full forward stick may cause the glider to tuck inverted.
Stop any turning (yaw) during the stall with a small amount of rudder.
Stalls in turns, and with airbrakes open, will occur “sooner” (higher airspeed.)
Stall with airbrakes: Release back pressure and smoothly close the airbrakes.
Stalls and spins may occur on your skidding turn to final, a skidding turn back
after a low “rope break”, or while thermaling in a skidding turn.
SPINS. The ASK-21 is advertised as being reluctant to spin, but that does not mean it
will not spin! Someone said . . . “Rudders turn boats, not gliders!”
Pilots who think the rudder is needed to turn a glider may find themselves in a spin.
Banking with aileron turns a glider – never try to turn a glider with excess rudder. Excess
rudder starts a dangerous skidding turn and can develop quickly into a spin.
Remember . . . There are NO “Spin Proof” Gliders! (Make no skidding turns.)
The ASK-21 Flight Manual describes the 3 step spin recovery technique,
specifically in this order:
1. Opposite Rudder to the turn. “Stop the Turn.”
2. Pause. Yes, wait a moment before step 3.
3. Stick forward to neutral but not full forward.
Now you are in a dive. If in a turning / spiral dive, level the wings first, then gently pull back
and pitch up to level flight. Pulling back in a spiral dive will only tighten the spiral and
increase the wing loading.
Spin Weights (If available) . For spin training, the factory can provide optional spin
weights that can be bolted to the rear of the fuselage. They move the Center of Gravity aft
so the ASK-21 spins easily. These are to be attached only under the supervision of the
Duty Instructor. Leaving the tail dolly on may also cause the glider to spin.
Spin Weights must be removed immediately after the spin training flights.
Before every takeoff, confirm the spin weights and tail dolly are removed.
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