I'm sure this is the wrong place for this question, but it does have a bearing on learning to fly. The dreaded downwind turn! It's my contention that the airplane doesn't know if it's turning downwind or upwind or crosswind, as the airspeed remains constant, or will drop the same in a sharp downwind turn as in an upwind turn. Some "experts" insist the plane will tend to balloon up when turning into the wind. I have never experienced this either with a flat bottom wing trainer or anything else. Granted, the plane LOOKS different from the standpoint of the ground, but it's flying in a moving mass of air at a constant airspeed. Any idea of why some pilots swear their plane balloons up when turning upwind? Is it something they're doing with the controls they're not aware of, or am I really missing something? And yes, I know the downwind turn arguement has raged for years! Sorry about the crash. Happens to us all, and I'm glad the damage was no worse than it was. I'm going flying now as the rain has stopped!