AOPA Pilot Magazine - July 2019 - 87

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Hangar B #2104-2105

power-off 180-degree, it is worth remembering to place the propeller in high pitch
during an emergency engine-out situation.
PATTERN SHAPE. The location of the turn
from downwind to base is key, and it can
make or break the success of the poweroff 180-degree turn. In a no-wind situation,
the turn is predictable and you might be
able to use a certain time after retarding
the throttle or a landmark to place the
turn. But any winds preclude the viability
of such a technique. A strong tailwind on
the downwind leg can easily push the aircraft out of glide range, so an earlier turn
is warranted. The attendant headwind on
final might even dictate a non-rectangular pattern to ensure the landing spot is
achieved (see graphic on p. 86). A headwind or tailwind on base means the turn
from downwind should be, respectively,
early or late. Keep in mind that a crosswind
on final shortens gliding distance, whether
a crab or a slip is used to counteract it.
LANDING GEAR. While lowering the landing gear can exact a serious toll on glide
performance, and leaving them retracted
might be a wise option during an emergency, landing on a runway with gear down
has been known to increase aircraft longevity. Focus can be so great during this
maneuver that I've seen a candidate almost
execute a gear-up landing with the gear
warning light flashing and the horn sounding. During your approach the gear should
be extended, ideally no later than turning
onto final, in order that the approach is stabilized and you can compensate for the new
glide characteristics.
FLAPS. Extending flaps increases both
lift and drag, and allows for a steeper and
slower approach. But a common mistake
is lowering them too early, and this can
result in a premature touchdown. The penalty for retracting flaps on short final is an
unfortunate settling effect. Consider them a
valuable fine-tuning tool to be used only on
the final segment of the approach.
COORDINATION. Unless the wind is perfectly aligned with touchdown direction, a
slip will be in order. Even if you choose to

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AOPA Pilot Magazine - July 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - July 2019
