So what's a slam-dunk?
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So what's a slam-dunk?
In the Asiana thread over in rumours, there's mention of the SFO slam-dunk.
Any chance of a description of what exactly this is? I assume it's basically an instruction to get from A to B in a hurry and requiring a bit of skill.
Any chance of a description of what exactly this is? I assume it's basically an instruction to get from A to B in a hurry and requiring a bit of skill.
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Slam Dunk
A description for a relatively high altitude (for the circumstances) close in (track mile limited, edit perhaps) visual approach while maintaining continuous visual contact with the runway.
An additional factor being the kinetic and potential energy of the aeroplane i.e. the combination of velocity and height.
No doubt the experts will elucidate us on the exact points.
It requires a lot of skill (one time PA28 student) - Especially for modern airliners.
An additional factor being the kinetic and potential energy of the aeroplane i.e. the combination of velocity and height.
No doubt the experts will elucidate us on the exact points.
It requires a lot of skill (one time PA28 student) - Especially for modern airliners.
Last edited by Guest 112233; 7th Jul 2013 at 12:39.
It's a case of having to get down from A to B in a hurry....
Basically it's where ATC keep you high until very close in to the runway ( well above the ideal 300 feet per mile rule of thumb), and then release you for the approach..usually then involves you throwing the gear and landing flap out, idle power, some /all speedbrake and hoping you can get back down onto the ideal profile before you need to have the power spooled up (normally 1000' agl)..think of how a basketball slam dunk looks and you'll get the idea.
Fairly standard at SFO, especially flying up the bay for a right hand pattern for a landing to the west, where adjacent airfields force a tight traffic pattern.
P.S Sorry CAT III, I think our posts crossed...
Basically it's where ATC keep you high until very close in to the runway ( well above the ideal 300 feet per mile rule of thumb), and then release you for the approach..usually then involves you throwing the gear and landing flap out, idle power, some /all speedbrake and hoping you can get back down onto the ideal profile before you need to have the power spooled up (normally 1000' agl)..think of how a basketball slam dunk looks and you'll get the idea.
Fairly standard at SFO, especially flying up the bay for a right hand pattern for a landing to the west, where adjacent airfields force a tight traffic pattern.
P.S Sorry CAT III, I think our posts crossed...
Last edited by wiggy; 7th Jul 2013 at 13:03.
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I'm only a PPL so wouldn't know this but can the heavy jets side slip to lose height quickly?
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I'm only a PPL so wouldn't know this but can the heavy jets side slip to lose height quickly?
- passenger discomfort!
- potential for compressor stall
- stress on airframe (from airflow side load and/or very rapid pressure change)
- precise navigation during the sideslip(?)
Ceeb
It's not an unreasonable question and the answer, at least regarding the 744, is that it's not recommended. The concern is over causing structural damage. That taken from the FCOM ie "flight manual". I suppose in an emergency if losing height is essential then maybe it is warranted.
As Wiggy points out, the "slam dunk" at SFO refers to being kept high on a downwind right hand pattern and then turned in well above the normal glideslope. It makes for a challenging manoeuvre especially at the end of a long flight. Also, you often have to fly an offset if you are landing 28R to avoid conflicting with any traffic approaching 28L. Still, the compensation is having a layover in lovely San Francisco.
As Wiggy points out, the "slam dunk" at SFO refers to being kept high on a downwind right hand pattern and then turned in well above the normal glideslope. It makes for a challenging manoeuvre especially at the end of a long flight. Also, you often have to fly an offset if you are landing 28R to avoid conflicting with any traffic approaching 28L. Still, the compensation is having a layover in lovely San Francisco.
