PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - UK CAA bites the bullet on pilots pure flying skills
Old 11th Jul 2019, 07:55
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Centaurus
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
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I suspect I would close both throttles and land straight ahead if in an Apache, heavy Seneca or heavy Partenavia.
There can be danger in generalisations such as the above high-lighted comment. Single engine climb performance can be affected by several variables, among which is individual pilot skill. A windmilling prop will certainly ruin any climb performance.

The widely taught technique at flying schools of going through the mantra of mixture up, propeller pitch up, power up, gear up, flap up, identify dead side dead leg - confirm with throttle closure - then finally feather, is fine for cruise where some height loss may be acceptable. But near the ground where seconds can be lost while methodically going through the steps leading up to the final action of feathering the prop, can quickly lead to loss of directional control due to the huge drag caused by a windmilling propeller. The loss of airspeed caused by a windmilling propeller is dramatic and every second that passes with a propeller still windmilling can reduce survival rates. It follows that pilot skill has a significant bearing on whether the aircraft is able to climb on one engine - albeit it very slowly - with the prop feathered, or the pilot loses control.

Last edited by Centaurus; 12th Jul 2019 at 01:10.
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