TEG916
Senior Member
I am a pilot who flies different aircraft. When I practice my emergency landings in an Archer, VS an Arrow, the two aircraft feel quite different. They certainly do not glide the same. This got me thinking about how I can ensure that I get set up correctly for a power off landing. I do fine when I pull the power abeam the numbers while in the pattern. It is getting the aircraft set up in that position from 3000’ or higher that seems more challenging. I came up with what I hope will give me numbers to reference and make the set up easier. Use the VSI. hopefully this would work for every aircraft I am flying.
Once you are set up in a spiral over the approach end of your landing site, watch your VSI. If your aircraft is descending at 500 fpm using a standard rate turn will give you 360 degree turn with a 1000’ altitude loss. If that will set you up too low for your landing, you can tighten up your turn a bit. If you will be too high, fly a little bit of a racetrack pattern to allow for you do descend more for your next 360. You can quickly adjust the math if you have a 700 fpm descent, or 1000 fpm descent, or any other number.
I need to go try using these numbers next time I practice. Does anybody else use some similar technique to help them judge their setup for a power off landing? Flying this maneuver by feel seems to not work great when you are in different planes on a regular basis.
Once you are set up in a spiral over the approach end of your landing site, watch your VSI. If your aircraft is descending at 500 fpm using a standard rate turn will give you 360 degree turn with a 1000’ altitude loss. If that will set you up too low for your landing, you can tighten up your turn a bit. If you will be too high, fly a little bit of a racetrack pattern to allow for you do descend more for your next 360. You can quickly adjust the math if you have a 700 fpm descent, or 1000 fpm descent, or any other number.
I need to go try using these numbers next time I practice. Does anybody else use some similar technique to help them judge their setup for a power off landing? Flying this maneuver by feel seems to not work great when you are in different planes on a regular basis.
