REFLECTOR: Re: Reflector Digest, Vol 9, Issue 36

[Scott Derrick]

Christopher Martin wrote:

> The Navaid is a simple and effective gyro stabilizer controlling a 
> servo connected to your ailerons. That's why it is called a wing 
> leveler. Turn it on and it will keep your wings level. It also has a 
> trim adjustment to allow you to initiate and hold a wing angle, 
> slightly off of level, such as 1 or 2 degrees off in order to 
> compensate for wind. It's biggest draw back is that it does not follow 
> a course.
>  

Chris I think you may need to read a good book about how planes fly.  I 
would suggest "Stick & Rudder" by Langewiesche

If we were flying west bound from ABQ to SFO and had a 10 knot wind from 
the north, how would we compensate for the northernly wind trying to 
blow us into Old Mexico?

You suggest above that I would need a constant bank angle done by your 
handy NavAid, say 2 degrees right. How ever instead of ending up in SFO, 
you will end up flying in a circle. Not really a circle but be assured 
you will never ever reach SFO.   It could be a hundred mph north wind 
and with a constant bank, be it 1 degree or 45 degrees the result will 
be the same.  Round and round you go.

Scott