SPICE UP A LOOP WITH A SNAP ROLL!

Mastering the Avalanche

- JOHN GLEZELLIS

1 Enter the maneuver straight and level and apply 90% power.

2 Using low-rates, gently pull elevator to begin a normal loop.

3 Using high rates, apply up elevator and aileron (and rudder in the same direction) to initiate a snap roll at the top of the loop.

4 On the downward segment of the maneuver, switch back to low rates and reduce power. Maintain the radius of the loop and complete the maneuver at the same attitude as you started.

5 Exit the maneuver straight and level on the same heading as you entered it.

A popular maneuver called the avalanche is an exciting move you can add to your aerobatic routine. A lot of you have performed a basic loop so you are familiar with most of this maneuver. The avalanche is a basic loop, but has an additional move added to it. At the top of the loop, the pilot performs a snap roll. Let’s take a closer look.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

When performing a graceful maneuver like the loop, focus your attention on geometry and smoothness. When executing the loop portion of this maneuver, you want a low-rate setting that has about 12 degrees of elevator deflection, 30 degrees of rudder deflection, 25 degrees or more of aileron deflection and exponential on all surfaces. As a starting place, I recommend you use about 35% of expo and increase it until you are comfortable with how your airplane responds. Keep in mind that adding expo will soften the feel around neutral.