Birdstrike !!!!

[Litespeed]

Now here's an interesting comparison to think about. Would it be fair to say that your average high wing has a more 'upright' windscreen than a bubble canopy low wing? Question is, would the additional slope on the bubble tend to deflect the bird rather than stop it dead (so to speak), and thus lessen the breaking force?

The angle of the screen can make a massive difference to the out come as the forces are deflected and a fraction of that in a straight impact. Adding to all this is any curvature adds strength. The ability of the lexan to move a bit helps absorb the impact loads without cracking. The we need to think about the size of panels though, smaller is better and thicker is better.

 

The greater the angle, the shallower the angle of incidence, the lower the forces to absorb.

 

So it is possible to provide greater protection for a given weight of lexan through design.

 

As far as helmets and cockpits- if it goes fast enough for a small bird direct hit to be FUBAR, then a helmet is absolutely warranted. My idea of fast is more than many might want.

 

 

[turboplanner]

Better to hit an eagle than a turkey LS.

 

I hit a flock of galahs coming in to land at Cootamundra in a Cherokee. One hit the nose leg and lost interest, one hit the prop and went into orbit and one hit the leading edge of a wing out near the end and put a dent in it the size of a football. Speed was 70 kts, so that gives you an idea of a low velocity strike. BUN operated around Albury with a patch on the wing for years.

 

I also had a near miss with a Skua at Tooradin in a Jab on climb out. Saw him and changed direction, but he dropped a wing and came with me. Rolled in the opposite direction but he was right there. Probably saved him hitting the screen but he went through between the fuse and the wing stay. Lost interest in circuits for that day.

 

 

[alf jessup]

Well i have had 2 things involving feathered birds, once on my RD350 motorbike many years ago i hit one ibis at 130kph, end result smashed screen, missing right hand mirror & stalk and a sore shoulder, not forgetting the strained butt muscles from hanging on to the seat with my legs for dear life as the bike went into a severe headshake through the handlebars.

 

Close call #2, flying in my trike a number of years back coming out of a left hand turn only to find 4 of my favorite feathered friends (ibis) about 20ft above me and about 100 meters away, didnt even have time to climb as they dived down with one missing my leading edge by 6 inches.

 

All i could remember instanly after they passed was visually watching myself spiral down to my demise if he/she made contact with that spar under tension.

 

Made me have second thoughts about getting a chute for which i promply did, had over 500hrs in the trike prior to fitting one.

 

Just made me realise that things can come unexpected while flying.

 

Have a very keen eye these days to things that flap and share the sky with us.

 

Cheers

 

Alf

 

 

[fly_tornado]

excerpts of this video was posted on brisbanetimes. interesting

 

 

 

[Litespeed]

Better to hit an eagle than a turkey LS.I hit a flock of galahs coming in to land at Cootamundra in a Cherokee. One hit the nose leg and lost interest, one hit the prop and went into orbit and one hit the leading edge of a wing out near the end and put a dent in it the size of a football. Speed was 70 kts, so that gives you an idea of a low velocity strike. BUN operated around Albury with a patch on the wing for years.

 

I also had a near miss with a Skua at Tooradin in a Jab on climb out. Saw him and changed direction, but he dropped a wing and came with me. Rolled in the opposite direction but he was right there. Probably saved him hitting the screen but he went through between the fuse and the wing stay. Lost interest in circuits for that day.

Ah so your wing felt like my head then, naturally same speed, same bloody bird.

 

 

[turboplanner]

Just shows you the force involved from such a light bird doesn't it.

 

 

[Litespeed]

Sure does,

 

Physics is a bitch like that.

 

F=MA

 

 

[Litespeed]

excerpts of this video was posted on brisbanetimes. interesting

 

Bet he was glad he had a spare chute.

 

That's one hell of a bad ass bird, mean damn mean.

 

 

[AlanB]

Yesterday I was enjoying a pleasant afternoon soaring flight in my ultralight sailplane when I had an encounter with our resident Wedge-tailed eagle (Jack the Ripper).

 

Only a 100mm rip this time. Last flight it was 2 x 200mm rips. I'm getting good at patching.

 

 

 

[Litespeed]

I like you telling him off..

 

Nasty set of talons on him.

 

 

[Guest Maj Millard]

That's pretty good footage, he's had a go at you for sure. Probabily feels your encroaching on his hunting ground................................Those goats look real interesting, I'd like to hear more about them. Is that footage in Australia ?...........................................................Maj...

 

 

[AlanB]

Hi Maj,

 

Footage is from last Tuesday near Boort Victoria. Aerotowed the goat up behind a trike.

 

Another ultralight sailplane (Archaeopteryx) was also hit on the same day. Over the last few years several of our hang gliders have also been "scarred".

 

The nest is only a bit over 1 km from the airfield, so at nesting time we are definetly on it's radar as a threat.

 

Information about the goat (and other aircraft by Mike Sandlin) can be found at http://www.m-sandlin.info/

 

Here's a video from one of my first high tows.

 

 

cheers Al

 

 

[Guest Maj Millard]

Just love the Goat !!.....a great concept that can also be slope launched without assistance. Reminds me of the original 'super floater' by Klauss Hill which was the same concept..Great footage that I could watch all day, and a very nice landing there also, thank you................Fly safe.............you may need to fit guns to ward off those sneak attacks from the rear!!............................................................................Maj...

 

 

[Riley]

Many thanks for the enjoyable viewing AlanB. Question: ...does the Goat have cabin heat for those frosty NW Victorian winter mornings?

 

 

[Guernsey]

Many thanks for the enjoyable viewing AlanB. Question: ...does the Goat have cabin heat for those frosty NW Victorian winter mornings?

Airtight inflateable flying jacket and baked beans for breakfast should do the trick..

 

Alan....the old fart.