Need help with a wing. Feels like being forced down.

[coastwise]

I am having a problem with my Aviate Aspect trike at the moment, where it feels like the front of the wing is being forced down to the extent that the bar moves all the way back to your chest. The problem seems to occur while under power, as if you leave the throttle as it starts to happen and glide it dissapears immediately. When the wing does this weird thing the trike goes into a rapid decent. Not sure if it is a weight issue, as I weigh 110kg and my instructor about 85/90kg. When my instructor flies on his own it flies and handles perfectly. Motor is Rotax 582 and we were flying with half tank of fuel. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

[kloot piloot]

Coastwise,

Sounds not well. The fact that you(110kg), instructor(85kg), 582 and halve fuel (20 kg) on the wing type sounds lke you are pushing boundaries for starters. That wing is a performance wing, and good at it anyway ! But that is one thing.

Couple of questions.

1. What is the position of your hangpoint ? Is it right at the front on the keel ? If so move it back one notch.

2. Are your wingtip cups still set at neutral ? It could be that your cups were tuned down and are now creating too much lift. The wingtips (seen from the side) are about 1 meter behind the hangpoint, and could try to lift the "tail" of the wing. Very dangerous and originator of the infamous whipp-stall.

3. Checked your root battens for reflex ? The battens closest to your keel needs reflex ! No reflex, no bar pressure.

4. Is the Aviate Aspect the hang gliding wing or the dedicated microlight wing ?

Previous owner/s ?

PM me with your contact details.

[coastwise]

Sorted the problem out with Manfred Springer. One small cord snapped that holds the keel cover at the rear of the wing. Replaced and test flew, now flies like a dream again. Thanks for your reply to this post Kloot Piloot.

[kloot piloot]

Hey Coastwise, I am very glad you re sorted. Amazing how a small little thing can affect a wing so much !
Sorry for not replying earlier to your PM. but I was out of the country and only got your PM this morning at my desk. Anyway, Manfred would also have been my next suggestion. Happy flying and training !

[coastwise]

Thanks again Kloot Piloot.