Nimbus 4DM

It’s been an interesting experience getting to grips with a Nimbus 4DM. It carries a health warning for being inclined to shed its wings in a spiral dive. Also that amputations are the only way to get the AUW below 850kgs.

I used to fly my ASH in company with Macca flying the 4DM and he said that themalling in broken lift was like driving an artic at high speed down narrow Devon roads. You will say that he is a gloomy bugger and prone to complaining, but to be fair, he was flying it in the wrong conditions. Down here it goes like a rocket, and is a terrific bit of kit.

The 4DM is surprisingly agile for such a big glider, and in particular the ailerons are light and responsive. Changing the flap settings takes a little effort, as the lever has a short travel and needs a bit of elbow. The trim takes some getting used to; the loads are high and it needs a lot of tweaking. It's easy to fail to juggle trim and flaps together when entering a climb. The rudder does not tolerate being mishandled, and it is important to make well co-ordinated turns.

I am new to self-launching and engine management was a bit daunting at first. There are a lot of switches, knobs and levers to juggle, and I have found a written checklist to be useful. Now that I have a few hours, it’s all become quite straightforward. Take-off performance is very good in the UK, and quite acceptable here. Ouarzazate is 3,800’asl with temperatures in the forties

Thanks are due to Graham for being a patient and tolerant instructor.

Here are some pictures from yesterday, Friday the 6th:

Blue convergence