Flying the DC3 in severe turbulence
During my time flying civilian DC3's in Australia decades ago,it was common practice for pilots would lower the landing gear if they encountered severe turbulence, in order to fly at a reduced speed. Pilots Notes for RAAF Dakotas gave no advice on severe turbulence penetration.
Does anyone know why the landing gear was lowered to help reduced speed when a lower power setting would have achieved the same result? I recall the gear down technique was widely known and practiced but the manufacturer did not mention this technique specifically.
Once in severe turbulence and if the speed got real low, the gear was retracted. Can anyone cast any light on why the gear down was used in turbulence?
Last edited by A37575; 7th Oct 2012 at 04:30.