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Old 20th April 2012 | 19:35
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VP-F__
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 120
Likes: 3
From: North of Antarctica
I used to operate Islanders commercially on occasion into a beach. Here are a few things to bear in mind;
Some sand is hard, some is soft, so it pays to know what you are about to land on. Usually the sand just below the high tide line gives a good combination of not too wet but firm conditions.
Beaches tend to mean birds so keep a good look out!
If there is an offshore wind blowing then it may mean a bit of turbulance/windshear off of any dunes.
Finally, and importantly, don't use the parking brake with engines running. Shut the engine down and roll to a stop and on start up start rolling immediately. There are two reasons for this, firstly it reduces sand erosion on your prop and secondly it helps to prevent you burying yourself into the sand. Just think how easy it is to sink into the sand in bare feet by moving them around a little.

Finally enjoy it!
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