Try this question.

[asra]

[Tim]

quote:Originally posted by RossBAll things being equal, the normal rate of climb should be the same. There is a slight difference though if there is enough ground disturbances to cause mechanical turbulance. With a tail wind you are flying through more of this mechanical turbulance per minute than you would be if you had a head wind. This can have an adverse affect on a marginal gyroplane.Much more pronounced though is the fact that even though the rate of climb may be the same, the angle of climb would be far less, and this is usually perceived by our pea-brains as a lesser rate of climb. We then try to compensate by pulling the stick back even more. These physical cues are very powerful and can bluff even the best of pilots (something like the down-wind turns).............Tim McClure

[Brian]

Its not unusual to experience lack of climb performance. It can occur anytime, in the case you describe Ross, I agree totally with Tim and add that turbulence can cause the rotors to not perform like we think they should.Even with plenty of power available, climb performance can be marginal till you get into smoother air !Brian ReidBrian

[birdy]

Sounds like a regular day.If you ever get the chance to fly in freshly burnt country on a windy day Ross, do it, and you'll be amazed at the extent of 'organised chaos' there is up there, coz with the ash, you'll be able to see the air.And it looks almost scarey.Have'n spent a couple o hours low and slow in rough air, I know theres alot that gose on that don't make sence, like, if theres so much air go'n down in this down draft, why isn't there a big cloud of dust in frount of me, or a wind at ground level??Air rolling horisontaly at low level is a real hazard if you don't know the machines capabilitys.And its amaz'n how many times you hit a strong down draft, at the very same instant you hit power to climb.Its not your rate of climb thats changed, its just that the air your in is cumn down at the same speed as your machines best climb rate, which means you go level.Fly'n low through mountains takes some nerve, coz you don't know wether the air will stop sink'n before you get to the big rock cumn up, or wether you got to do a quick U turn to gain alt and try again.Ignorance is bliss............but only till you realise you were.You can always get the answer you want, if you ask enough experts.