Ron Burke wrote: > > I have a D and the limited elevator travel is not a problem..... BUT > > The D is a energy aircraft, some pilots have trouble with the concept. > > **********Owners Thoughts > > I fly the approach at 80 mph and 1200 rpm, over the fence I pull the power > and land going about 65-70 > indicated. I have tried the approach slower but the arrival is a bit more > abrupt. > > I believe that more pilots have been injured or killed by allowing the coupe > to run out energy to high above the ground, but not high or fast enough to > go around. > > *********End Owners Thoughts >
My second flight in my 415-D involved my gas-line ice up and forced landing in a plowed field covered by 6-10 inches of firm snow. I flew the approach at 70 because that's what the book said and I didn't know any better. At that time I didn't know that my airspeed indicator was off -- I was flying my approach just 5 mph above my minimum flying speed. When I pulled back to flare, it just leaned back, didn't flare and I hit the ground with my full sink rate. Good landing gear, no damage. I formulated the rule that in any Coupe I fly (or any plane), I would go up high and find the minimum flying speed, power off. Then I'd add 15 mph to it so I'd have a cushion for the flare without floating too much. Low and behold, I had reinvented doing the approach at 1.3 times stall (or for a Coupe, minimum flying speed). I'd advise everyone to find your minimum flying speed, calculate 1.3 times it for normal approaches (perhaps 1.4 for bumpy, gusty days) and practice, practice, practice. Also test your sink rate and penetration rate at various indicated speeds in your plane. For example, against a 15 mph headwind, if I lose power I can best get to the runway at 90 mph approach speed (better forward progress/foot of descent) in MY plane. We all need an excuse to go flying. Safe flight testing of your own plane's characteristics can be a fun and profitible way to spend an hour or two. Please see my other message asking people to test their plane's glide. -- Ed Burkhead East Peoria, Ill. N3802H, 415-D
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