What
folks may have figured out by now is that at no speed after takeoff assuming a runway heading departure is it safe to return (in one piece) to the departure runway in this aircraft after OEI. You will always be further away than your glide speed (any) will be able to match the distance you need to return. Under power at any climb is always greater than glide relative to distance covered. Land straight ahead (or at some angle to RH) and walk away, God willing. Keep in mind the "turn back" isn't really a 180. It is more like a 270, considering the distance the turn circle carries you "further away" from the threshold of the reciprocal. Sean, if you insist, I would recommend that you at least try to stay as close to the Departure Field while gaining altitude if your fear is engine loss, perhaps stay in the pattern until you work up the courage to leave it for your destination. That would mean Vx and an immediate xwind pattern turn to stay in tight, while praying for all 4 (or six) to keep banging. I also think that planting in your students' brains the thought of turnback is dangerous.
AF
Last edited by airfoilmod; 17th April 2009 at 15:54.