Clean wings – good flight performance

Editorial team
22.11.2024

“Raindrops, frost and icing can deteriorate the wing surface to such an extent that completely different flight characteristics result. Therefore, particular caution is advised when landing in the rain; sufficient speed.” This is the conclusion of a SUST accident report published this year. We are taking this opportunity to remind you all of this important topic.

Taking off at insufficient speed
Taking off at insufficient speed can lead to a flight condition in which the aircraft is unable to leave the ground effect due to excessive induced drag. A short flight at a low altitude of a few meters, followed by a crash landing or an emergency landing, is then the inevitable consequence.


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“A contaminated wing can increase both drag and the stalling speed at an unknown altitude. This means that the length of your take-off roll may increase. The aircraft may not be ready for flight at rotation speed.”

Therefore:
Rain and wet wings: Make sure that you always take off with dry wings. This is extremely important because the wing profile – especially of a glider – is susceptible to all disruptive influences. You may be able to take off with the help of the ground effect, but then have little or no climbing performance. This applies above all to self-launching gliders, but also to all other aircraft. So just don’t take off when it’s raining. Wait until the rain stops, dry the wings and look forward to a take-off without surprises.

Clean it up!
The best and easiest way to prevent wing contamination is to store the aircraft in a hangar. In the highly regulated world of commercial airlines, the rule is simple: an aircraft can only depart if it is “clean” – no snow, frost, ice or water on any part of the aircraft. General aviation pilots should apply the same principle, not only in winter.

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