SCHEMPP-HIRTH FLUGZEUGBAU GmbH

SCHEMPP-HIRTH FLUGZEUGBAU GmbH., KIRCHHEIM/TECK
Duo Discus FLIGHT MANUAL
Emergency landing with retracted undercarriage
An emergency landing with the main wheel retracted is on principle not
recommended, because the potential energy absorption of the landing gear
is many times higher as compared to the fuselage shell.
Should the wheel fail to extend, the sailplane should be landed at a flat angle
and without pancaking.
Ground loop
If there is the danger of the sailplane overshooting the boundary of the
landing field in mind, a decision whether or not to initiate a controlled ground
loop should be made at least about 40 m (131 ft) away from the boundary:
- If possible, always turn into the wind
and
- as the wing tip is forced down, push the control stick forward simultaneously.
Emergency water landing
From experience gained on the occasion of a composite sailplane landing on
water with its undercarriage retracted, the crew must take into consideration
that, in the case of the “Duo Discus”, the entire cockpit might get forced
under water.
Therefore an emergency landing on water should only be chosen as a last
resort and the main wheel should always be extended.
October 2007 LBA-app.
Revision -- 3.9.2