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Old 25th July 2006 | 23:08
  #106 (permalink)  
Mr Magoo
 
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 81
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From: The dole queue
For what it's worth before any of my students were sent first solo I'd ask them what happens if a bumblebee flys down the pitot while we're downwind?

They think for a while then usually answer that the ASI falls to zero, (anyone who thinks it stays at the current indication doesn't know about the drain hole in the pitot head.)

Anyway - I then slap an instrument blank over the ASI and get them to fly the A/C on attitude, power setting and FEEL. I pull the blank off once set up on base and they're usually within 5kts of the speed I ask them they're at.

The blank's then replaced and we fly down to, (usually,) a greaser.

Now, if you're a student, I'd advise you try it with your instructor - it'll give you a BIG confidence boost about keeping your eyes outside the aeroplane and flying by feel - and if ASI faliure happens when your'e on your own you'll handle it OK.

Also try blanking off the altimeter on the upwind leg of a circuit and judge your height once downwind - my guys could get within 50' after a few goes.

To sum it up PAT and APT does 90% of flying in anything from C150 to A380 once you learn how to land you've got the other 10% sussed!

Magoo
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