Ditching
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Aberdeen
Surprised no-one has mentioned route selection. The OP's address shows as Dublin, planning to fly to UK: if I were him (and having taken all the other sound advice on kit etc), I'd be heading north for the shortest possible crossing of the North Channel - something I've done frequently. Look for a day with min Xwind to planned track: in event of engine failure, crosswind eats height if you're trying to glide on or turn back!. Gain as much height as poss before coasting out (dont even go if cloudbase prevents this). And in the planning stage, calculate where the theoretical turnback point lies bearing in mind engine out glide angle and wind AT THE LEVELS PLANNED and in descent. Remember, the 'glide' perfroamnce of a light aircraft changes dramatically from idling, which we all practice on PFLs, to prop stopped. Trust me, I experienced it and found it to be a 'whole nother country'!
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,982
Likes: 1
From: In the boot of my car!
There is risk taking and risk management probably years back I risk took now I hope I am more leaning to risk management 
and yes the management side does mean planning for a shorter crossing even if a longer route!
IMO especially on ferries it's up to the pilot the level of risk one takes as you will not hurt anyone but yourself but when it involves inexperienced passengers then you cannot take risk decisions for them you can however manage risk for them.
Pace
and yes the management side does mean planning for a shorter crossing even if a longer route!IMO especially on ferries it's up to the pilot the level of risk one takes as you will not hurt anyone but yourself but when it involves inexperienced passengers then you cannot take risk decisions for them you can however manage risk for them.
Pace
