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Re: [Freeflight] Successful Recovery
Chris Biro <chrisbiro@S6jZIIgz7lFrnYncm098F9CijnV7t7_5-cdZVZ4pku8y_C929cW7bGBAoWzoS3_2fxIRfAZowcVYqvHAYg.yahoo.invalid> [2006-10-05 15:02]:
> No doubt there is going to be a difference in skill level of experienced
> flyers and first time flyers. And that could lead to different levels of
> ability to lose altitude and bleed off speed. No doubt first time flyers are
> not going to as good at losing altitude and bleeding speed as will the
> experienced flyer. But they DO have sufficient ability to fly down, even as
> first time flyers.
I'm not disputing the importance of the factors you mention, but Bart
mentioned wing loading, and IMO, it's important. When birds descend
steeply they are as much parachuting as flying, and birds (like CAGs)
with a high wing loading effectively have a smaller parachute relative
to body weight. If they are unfit they may not have the strength to
prevent picking up speed, become frightened -- Bart mentioned the change
in focus he saw -- and fly up again, using height to bleed speed.
I'm glad you got everyone back. It must have been a little harrowing
having so many inexperienced birds out.
-rex