Plane crash Caernarfon
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Kent
Originally Posted by flybymike
Donkey more likely to go sulky with constant high approaches.
A low powered (50-55%) circuit, followed by a final glide at the correct speed isn't going to shock cool anything.
Before someone throws it into the mix ...
I am talking about boxer engines here - I fully appreciate that there are some extra considerations when flying behind a round engine.
OC619
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Cambridge, England, EU
I fly gliders and I find the average power circuit very scary
No doubt you're going to tell me that glider pilots are all sky gods who don't screw up approaches ... in which case gliding definitely isn't for the likes of me!
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: UK
I think that you're missing the point Gertrude.
The constant aspect glider circuit, which is pretty much also the same as is flown by the military in most countries, does make it much easier both to space different speed traffic, and to make the runway if the engine stops at most parts of the circuit. It is also much easier to accurately control the touchdown point, particularly where you are flying an approach and landing without power (which isn't a bad practice powered in an SE, but obviously essential in a glider).
When I'm not sharing it with anybody else, I fly CA circuits in powered aeroplanes as well. I wouldn't go so far as to say that powered circuits frighten me, but I don't like them and won't fly them when there's a choice.
G
The constant aspect glider circuit, which is pretty much also the same as is flown by the military in most countries, does make it much easier both to space different speed traffic, and to make the runway if the engine stops at most parts of the circuit. It is also much easier to accurately control the touchdown point, particularly where you are flying an approach and landing without power (which isn't a bad practice powered in an SE, but obviously essential in a glider).
When I'm not sharing it with anybody else, I fly CA circuits in powered aeroplanes as well. I wouldn't go so far as to say that powered circuits frighten me, but I don't like them and won't fly them when there's a choice.
G
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: UK
And don't forget that glider approaches are flown with the airbrakes out. If you find yourself undershooting, just close the brakes to regain the desired glideslope. No go-around capability, but given the short field performance and slow landing speed of gliders it's enough to ensure a safe arrival.
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: UK
And don't forget that glider approaches are flown with the airbrakes out. If you find yourself undershooting, just close the brakes to regain the desired glideslope. No go-around capability, but given the short field performance and slow landing speed of gliders it's enough to ensure a safe arrival.
Sort of. Once one has turned off base leg onto finals then the come out but only once one has flown into the 'cone' around the 1/2 to 2/3 airbrake setting. But absolutely, reference point creeping up the canopy requires the airbrakes to be shut, and seeing it creep down the canopy means open them some more and/or sideslip.
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Nanaimo (CAC8)
But absolutely, reference point creeping up the canopy requires the airbrakes to be shut, and seeing it creep down the canopy means open them some more and/or sideslip.
I always taught power pilots, when teaching them to fly gliders, to handle the air-brake lever in the same way and same sense as a throttle, with the all-important proviso that once it is all the way forward, you will still be descending!
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: UK
Piper Classic - disagree re 3 degrees (unless instrument approach or special conditions), disagree about landing nosewheel first - that's not 'pilot choice' it's a BIG non-no (I hope you know why?) and not what I said at all (I said 'not held off' - i.e. 3-point landing). Thank you.
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: In an ever changing place
The 3 degree approach advocates.
So flying visually in to a grass strip or a runway with no instrument approach or visual approach aids Papi, Vasi, no fancy GPS in other words using only the Mk 1 eyeball, how are you determining that you are maintaining a 3 degree approach ? now add obstacle's, sloping grass runways etc.
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Cambridge, England, EU
So flying visually in to a grass strip or a runway with no instrument approach or visual approach aids Papi, Vasi, no fancy GPS in other words using only the Mk 1 eyeball, how are you determining that you are maintaining a 3 degree approach ?
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Philippines
And actually also about three degree approaches, but they ARE appropriate when flying an instrument approach.
I appreciate that keeping above the glideslope is good practice for a visual approach in VMC in a single, in IMC under instrument conditions - NO.
But that's obvious - and why it's good to fly a twin!!!
