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Old 15th Apr 2000, 18:24
  #14 (permalink)  
Ho Lee Prang
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A couple of comments: There are a lot of factors at play, so this is not a manoevre that should be considered by anyone who is not well trained, in practice, and level-headed. The factors are wind speed (no point in turning back if there is a strong headwind, which will turn into a strong tailwind, because 1) there is agreater chance of stall in the turn, 2) more height will be lost in the turn, 3) a landing (or crash) straight ahead will be relatively slow, and 4) the tailwind landing will be fast.)
The next factor is wing loading: the higher the wing loading the more dodgy the manoeuvre - powered gliders are best!
Then there is height: At 2000 ft anyone can make a turn back. You might not make the field, though, and a fast downwind landing short of the field will be bad news, so the factor really is "height and distance".
I reckon if you add all these postings up you end up with a pretty sensible and comprehensive summary of the prospects for a 180 EFATO turn.
Best, maybe, to make the crosswind turn as quickly as you can!

Ho Lee