Playing with the XT16 when its windy!

It was just like being 9 years old again (well I am nearly 23 now). Paul and I had a ball, swapping between the XT16 and Bullet08 14 – the brakes, stability , handling and speed range of the XT16 was impressive, not to mention  the resistance to moving around too quickly in the gusts. Now, I am not trying to encourage people to do this too much, but you will be amazed at how deep you can fly the wing in the brakes without stalling it – this is a key safety point but also a fun feature for soaring in less than a howling  wind  and when it’s light, you can really dig into the brakes to stay up. I can see we’re going to be doing a lot more of this. 
 
This is what Dave Edwards from New Zealand has to say about the XT16 (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM1l0DQumDw ) and I can’t help but agree!
 
 This wing is probably one of the safest, most stable, most collapse resistant and most easy wing ever and we are having huge fun with it, especially whenever the wind is a little strong or gusty. You can jump on this and play all day and never feel overpowered or threatened, so I think it will play a bigger and bigger part in the training process.
 
Everyone who has tried it so far feels it is the easiest Bullet or speed wing so far.
 
We love the fact that it doesn’t overshoot or collapse on any takeoffs. This could prove to be one of its major strengths and selling points  The huge speed range on the brakes is fantastic. Of course it means min sink might be at 70 or 80% brake which gives high brake pressures and a nice upper body workout during long "min sink" soaring .
 
Long brake range and good resistance and nice stall behavior are much appreciated and a great safety feature for all pilots.
 
So, getting the XT16 with the ATAK harness as a package as a second wing is now a reality!  Not only will you be able to fly when it’s too windy for normal canopies, but you will  be able to practice your ground handling. Then, as you become more familiar with the wing you can do sled rides top to bottom and then as your skill levels increases, soar!  I’m sure you are going to see us playing at the popular sites when we are there waiting for the wind to drop.......
 
Cheers with a big grin!

Chris Dawes

CFI