Ultralight or Part 103 trikes
group is for discussion of part 103 trikes or flying part 103 trikes
EXIF
| Model | Canon EOS REBEL T1i |
| Shutter | 1/350 |
| Aperture | f/5.6 |
| ISO Speed | 1600 |
| Focal Length | 250mm |
| Captured | 2014:04:06 19:16:44 |
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Ultralight or Part 103 trikes
group is for discussion of part 103 trikes or flying part 103 trikes
Engine off landing practice at N57 on 4-6-14
With no GA traffic on Sunday evening, I had to practice a few engine off landings. In this case I cut power on down wind for several landings. I am a big believer in the importance of practicing engine off landings quite often.
Comments
Looking good joe.
Great to hear you are doing downwind cuts. What's your typical altitude loss to do a 180?
Note: that 180 cuts are required training, practice, and testing tasks in helis and should be in all aircraft.
My neighor is retired from flying the police helis and they used to have to nail all power cuts (autorotations) with all wind directions in an a street intersection size target.
Hey Cburg. Thanks for the comments. My guess is that I would typically loose any where from 100 to 200' after I cut on down wind depending on what stage on down wind I decide to cut and how tight I decide to make the pattern. I could easily do it with less than 100' if I do a real tight pattern. In my previous ATF soaring trike I once had to do a 180 with ~30' AGL after sudden loss of power on take off. Now that was one of my scairier EO situations but I learned some valuable lessons that time.
It is interesting you mention that this should be required for all aircraft. I think I would agree. But I have been very surprised as I meet new trike pilot friends/acquaintances how few actually practice them. Some think that doing most of the pattern with engine at idle (and never touching the throttle) is good enough and simulates an EO landing. I think the actual act of cutting off the engine and "committing" to the landing and repeatedly practicing that is what really refines the decision making and builds confidence. Of course, I came from a HG background so this was natural. But I think those that fly Revos with tiny blade wings should also practice EO landings occasionally. In other words, regardless of what kind of trike you fly there is real value/benefit in practicing this emergency maneauver. It is not IF but WHEN, so one day you will be thankful for that practice.