"Ian mentions that the pilots of the crashed HK36 didn't have an understanding of some of the engine systems....Can anyone explain to me how they got a type endorsement with out knowing this?
Rob" Weatbix pack maybe. Sadly they both didn't come off too well out of the impact. Without making comment on the cause of the accident I will point out that I am amazed how many pilots rely on their engine. In accordance with the GFA MOSP expect the engine will stop at any time. Assume it will NOT start after a soaring flight. When in circuit and landing act as a glider pilot and NEVER RELY on the engine for a restart to correct a low circuit. That's not what it is there for. This is clearly explained in the MOSP in the syllabus for a motor glider endorsements. It is also recommended that as a matter of course ALL landings be done engine off unless airfield operations (eg GAP) require otherwise. Of course engine on landings should be taught for the endorsement but not used as a matter of course. If any one differs to me on that I refer to the MOSP and the Syllabus. I teach exactly that and as others have noticed land engine off by choice whenever possible including at places like Mt Isa if it is not busy. If soaring cross country and you get low then the correct steps are to select a paddock first. Start your circuit and then go for the engine. If it starts all is well. If it doesn't you your passenger and the aircraft are not in danger. In a very inconvenient location perhaps but safe and well. If you get low and don't follow this rule and go for the motor then there is a high likelihood of missing something. Good old finger trouble and has been demonstrated to bring down motor glider pilots before. I remember Rudi and Hans Werner many years ago in the ASH25 5 miles from Waikerie in a paddock. Good paddock. Selected when they got low and didn't go for the engine until in circuit. We got it home in the trailer and all was well as they had done the right things. Two very experienced pilots had finger trouble. Nothing wrong with the engine. Just the sequence they used. Same thing can happen in circuit. Fly it like a glider and be safer is my opinion. It has been suggested by some this may have been a factor in the demise of XD but I am not putting that forward. I am making a point about attitudes towards engine use that has been a bug bare of mine for some time and remains so. Every time I go to Burketown I come back shaking my head. Cheers. Nige.
