Click on a control to see its function.
Joystick
If you've tried a computer flight sim, then you've a fair idea of what
this is for !
The main difference you would notice with a real aircraft is that the
stick is far more sensitive and responsive than the ones you get for a
computer. The red button on top is the radio PTT.
Trim Lever
Adjusts the neutral position of the stick when no hand-force is applied.
Acts rather like a cruise control, setting the normal flying speed.
Rudder Pedal(s)
Pressing these deflects the rudder on the aircraft's tail. Used for steering
on the ground, and for `balancing' the turn in flight.
Rudder Handle
Serves the same purpose as the pedals, in fact the two move together. Advantage
is that the pilot need not use foot control.
Airbrake Lever
Extends the airbrake paddles on the top surface of the wing. Main effect
is to reduce the lifting action of the
wing, so that the glider descends more rapidly.Used to control the rate
of descent when landing.To facilitate hands-only approach and landing,
the airbkake has a series of detent stops which allow the lever to be locked
in any desired position.
Cable Release
Operates the `Tost' release hook to detach the tow cable once the launch
is complete. WA1 has two cable hooks, a nose hook for aerotowing and a
belly hook for winch launching.
Oxygen Regulator
In some weather conditions, it is advantageous to fly at very high altitudes,
perhaps 15000 feet or more.
As altitiude increases, the outside air pressure reduces. Personal
tolerance to altitude varies depending on health, but generally when flying
at above 12000 feet the human body cannot operate efficiently without a
supplementary oxygen supply. In WA1 this is provided by a sophisticated
demand-valve which automatically adjusts the oxygen flow to the pilots'
masks as altitude increases. Bottled oxgen is carried in the centre-section
of the glider, behind the seats.
Oxygen is not needed for routine training flights. In the photo the
mask connector is protected from dust by a white plug.