frontrangeflyer01
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- Nov 12, 2017
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I read an interesting article in the March 2019 edition of IFR Refresher magazine about “High-Energy Approaches” and the dangers associated with them.
The 1973 POH for my 73 Piper Cherokee Six says that my approach speed with full flaps should be 90 MPH.
The article stated that light aircraft POH’s usually publish a single Vso figure (for max gross) and most pilots don’t take into account that lowering the gross weight also lowers the Vso, therefore lowering the ideal approach speed (assuming no gust factor).
If I use the FAA recommended 1.3 x Vso, I get 76 MPH for my aircraft.
(POH says my Vso is 63 mph @ 3400 lbs gross and 58 mph @ 2900 lbs gross. I usually fly well under 2900 lbs).
I notice that I tend to float if I’m much above 85 MPH.
My question is, am I taking any risks by dropping my approach speed down to 76 mph (assuming no gust factor).
Or is there something unique about my Hershey Bar Cherokee that dictates a higher approach speed?
The 1973 POH for my 73 Piper Cherokee Six says that my approach speed with full flaps should be 90 MPH.
The article stated that light aircraft POH’s usually publish a single Vso figure (for max gross) and most pilots don’t take into account that lowering the gross weight also lowers the Vso, therefore lowering the ideal approach speed (assuming no gust factor).
If I use the FAA recommended 1.3 x Vso, I get 76 MPH for my aircraft.
(POH says my Vso is 63 mph @ 3400 lbs gross and 58 mph @ 2900 lbs gross. I usually fly well under 2900 lbs).
I notice that I tend to float if I’m much above 85 MPH.
My question is, am I taking any risks by dropping my approach speed down to 76 mph (assuming no gust factor).
Or is there something unique about my Hershey Bar Cherokee that dictates a higher approach speed?
