EOLs
Hi guys & gal,
We all know that if you ask three pilots for the best sequence of control handling for a standard engine-off landing, you're likely to get four answers. So can we have some tips please.
My standard teach is. After the standard pre-exercise checks ... Establish what I call a 'steady state' descent in autorotation, (rrpm & airspeed steady, slip ball centred, wings level) ... at say 50 to 65 knots & 75% to 90% max auto rrpm for most piston types adding circa 10 knots for the smaller turbines. Depending on type, weight, air density and w/v - commence a 'progressive' cyclic flare at around 30 to 50 feet AGL. In the latter stages of the flare, progressively introduce 50% of available collective lever to reduce ROD and increase rrpm so that for a second or two both cyclic and collective are pulled to minimum achievable groundspeed and positioning for the desired landing point. As airframe approaches say 10 to 20 feet skid height - still in the tail down attitude ... forward cyclic to level the skids. Allow airframe to sink to the 'skids on' position progressively raising collective lever, co-ordinated, but 'in arrears' to the observed sink rate. As skids make contact, no further collective or cyclic movement but using yaw pedals to maintain direction if a 'run-on' landing is made. With aircraft stationary, cyclic and yaw pedals are centralised and collective lever lowered gently to minimum position.
So guys ... that's me ... lets have the options please. Dennis K.