James G,
Speed control IS most important and your adherence to an approach speed of 1.3Vs is sound policy. Some years ago I operated Cessna 180 types into short fields (not really fields but claypans, roads, beaches or sometimes just a clear patch of ground). The approach speed was 1.1Vs as dictated in the ‘Precautionary Landing technique of our SOP’s (40 knots for a Vs of 36 knots in the landing configuration). The approach was stabilized with attitude and trim at precisely forty knots, and vigorous throttle application used to control the glide path to hit the aiming point. Prior to touch downpower was reduced to idle and full back stick applied for a firm three-point landing.(Getting out was usually another challenge – particularly with obstacles).
I do not suggest for one minute you or any other reader adopts this low speed approach technique. The point I make is that since 1.1Vs works (at least I got away with it on many occasions) then 1.3Vs must be perfectly safe with no requirement to increase for the ‘mum and the kids’ factor.
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dragchute
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