Speed System Use

Work with your instructor to learn your speed system. Here are some thoughts about speed system use. 

First, a few things;

-If you anticipate or encounter turbulence, then let off the speed system (bend your knees) at once...

-you will probably never stop adjusting your speed system throughout your flying career

-the pulleys on your riser, are your visual reference for how much speed system is being engaged

-most of the tests that occur during certification involve releasing the speed system at the onset of the maneuver, if you hold the speed system on during the recovery from a maneuver, then it could be complicated/ delayed

-don't engage the speed system below a hundred feet even if you are moving backwards across the ground, it's not worth the risk. 

-learn to use your speed system with an instructors guidance in the proper environment (preferably, over water) 

"trim" no speed system engaged

A little speed system engaged, good with a minimum of 150 feet, if the air is nice and if it is needed. Otherwise, this is a good amount of speed if you are in a) in a ridge environment and need to move forward b)in a thermal environment and want to move through the sink. If sinking more than 300 fpm, then engage this much speed and see if the sink rate gets worse. If it gets much worse, then let off. Again, only use speed system if the air is nice and if you are experienced at using it. 

Half speed system should only be used if you are higher than 400 feet, if you are very experienced at using the speed system and if you are a) in a ridge environment and need to move forward for safety reasons b) in a thermal environment where the air is nice and the sink is greater than 600 fpm approx.

Three quarter speed system is reserved for situations when an experienced (at using the speed system) pilot is in a difficult situation. For example; a) blowing back b) in extreme sink

Full speed, this is what it looks like. Most people don't use it very often...