Right then - went up yesterday to do some PFL's - it was gonna be my southern solo, but there was a change of plan (this should now hopefully be Friday).
I had a chat with the instructor (actually never flown with him before as he is new to the school - top bloke) beforehand just to go over what we would be doing, and the procedures for the EFATO (engine failure after take off) and PFL (practice forced landing). It was one of the best days I have seen yet for weather, the wind at 2000 feet was CALM - perfect, with lots of sunshine. I opted to go South, as I need as much experience of this area as possible for my next solo trip.
We got up to about 2500 and started the first one, being talked through it as we went along. So, set up for glide speed, check around for a suitable field (usually looking in the 10 o'clock area of the pilot's seat, as this will enable a decent set up for a downwind leg), set up approach and then perform engine checks. My checks evolved by starting with the primer and working my way in a right direction - checking mixture rich, fuel switch - change tanks, throttle (half inch open?), carb heat on, fuel pump on, magnetos on both. This is the restart attempt phase, whilst still in the glide. Then comes the mayday call - I didn't have a problem with this and got all the required information out (for those of you taking your RT test, don't forget to say your position in a PAN or MAYDAY call - you can say a million things, but if you miss this out you may fail - this is the most important aspect of the call).
On the first one, we both agreed a field, and then set up nicely. As you approach what would be the end of the downwind leg, you should be around 1000ft (nicely called the 1000ft area!). Then, we need to decide whether or not we need flap or not (and as well, if we can actually make the field - you will only make it if you have a good approach, what if you have a bad one?) I made it a thing to look forward too at other fields, just in case.............
So, the first one went well - I did 5 in all, with a couple without the aid of the instructor - he shut-up and let me do it. One of them went extremely well, and the other we decided we may not have made the field I picked. This for me, is the hardest thing about PFL's - picking the right field. It's amazing how much time can be spent on this - and we were in a region (south of the zone, around Wrexham/Crewe etc) where there are millions of fields! I also found it amazing as to how long the aircraft will stay in the air without power - not saying that this gives you room to relax, but I think it is key not to panic, and do what you have been taught to do in order to survive. I hope it never happens to me, and if it does, I am 100% sure that the feeling will be different, as you HAVE to get it right - you cant just apply power and climb away if you botch it.
We also done an EFATO - this went well, first thing to do is put the nose down, as in the climb out (70 knots) you are also at best glide speed. Things are done a lot fast here, as you are already very close to the ground - very scary thought indeed. I also asked if I could practice a side-slip - just in case that the best field for miles is in view but you are too high - I found this very easy to perform - nose down, full rudder with opposite aileron.
Oh well, a lot learned in this lesson, and somewhat of an eye opener. Looking forward to Friday should the weather hold out - and Whirly - I should be seeing you soon!
Best wishes all and enjoy the bank holiday,
Lee
I forgot to mention - dont forget the wind check so you can land into wind !!