Hello fellow coupers, Well, I just had to jump in on the conversations about flying under bridges. Al, I have to agree. Flying under bridges is a hoot!! ( the F. A. A. be damned ). I have a good bridge to fly under close by. I have flown under it in a C-172, Beech Bonanza, and ofcourse a 415-C. Word of caution though. Be sure that you know the area intimately. I sugguest that you walk the area to get a real good look at the surroundings. You dont want to get a surprise.
With regards to off airfield or forced landings I do not want to contact the ground at 80 mph. The Ercoupe will behave itself very well at speeds lower than 60 mph. According to my handy dandy C. A. A. approved airplane flight manual the Ercoupe stalls at 56 mph with no power. Carry a little power and that speed is comfortable. Without power 65 mph is very safe. I have made several hundred off airfield landings. 29 years ago I had a real CFI that had his students experience the real thing. Sounds frightening, but is really simple. Set up your approach to hit your touchdown point, and land just as you would on a paved runway. With more realistic touchdown speeds you wont have to stand on the brakes! There is nothing different about landing off field except your not at an airport. Not 2 cents worth, but maybe 1. Dont forget, no matter what the situation, no matter how bad things look, use the K. I. S. S. method. FLY THE AIRPLANE. Engine quit..FLY THE AIRPLANE. Low oil pressure..FLY THE AIRPLANE. fire..FLY THE AIRPLANE STEWART W. TEXAS
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