PPRuNe Forums - Student instructed to Orbit on base

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Quote:

Originally Posted by memories of px (Post 11618586)

The scenario is the aircraft is on base leg, configured with approach flap, approach power, and ATC asks the student orbit, I think this overload for the student so should "go-around" on to the dead side and rejoin
crosswind.

Correct, in my opinion! Orbits when downwind aren't ideal either - and extending downwind is a very poor idea.

Some years ago I was tasked with undertaking a Certificate of Airworthiness air test on a Seneca 2. Having completed the general handling plus the critical engine restart procedure my usual routine was then to climb to do the turbo charger performance check. During the descent I then did the shutdown of the starboard engine. For all my efforts I could not restart; informed ATC of the problem but was not declaring an emergency as I understood the problem and I had no additional concerns. I requested a straight in. ATC cleared me to long final No 2 but to be prepared to orbit to the right because of a helicopter in bound No 1 from the Gas Rigs. I explained to ATC that I was not prepared to orbit right but would orbit to the left. Before ATC could reply the helicopter captain intervened stating that he did not require a runway and can even hover if needed, "please clear the fixed wing No 1"; ATC then re-cleared me to land but to then vacate left onto the cross runway. I then informed ATC I would not be able to turn left but this time could turn right conditional on safely having slowed sufficiently by that point. The helicopter captain once again intervened stating that he can touch down precisely on the numbers and hover taxi clear, he would not need the rest of the runway.

This lack of understanding of the situation continued well after the landing without ATC enquiring from me what I was able to do before passing instructions.

I had to smile reading this. I've lost count of the number of times I've been told to orbit around my local airport, due to incoming airliners or offshore helicopters. This was usually at the end of the downwind leg, though.
It's part and parcel of learning and then operating. Just a personal view!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 18greens (Post 11618679)

Southend? 2006? Very unfortunate..

My first thought on seeing this. I was regular into Southend at the time.

For those who don't know it, a student fatality while instructed to make an orbit when already lined up and configured for finals. Second solo. Instructor and family watching ...

Cessna F150L, G-BABB, 19 July 2006 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)