I think a good way to make an emergency landing when the engine quits
is to use the "Flame Out" pattern taught in the Air Force. We
practiced them all the time and called the practice ones "Simulated
Flame Out Landings" or SFO's.
The trick is to know how much altitude your airplane loses in a power-
off 360 degree turn. For example, if you lose 1000 ft in a power off
30 degree bank complete circle, you should establish yourself 1000 feet
over your selected touchdown spot. This is called "High Key". Roll
into a 30 degree turn, or whatever angle of bank you have selected
through trial and error while practicing, and continue to the 180
degree of turn point, which places you abeam your touchdown spot. This
is called "Low Key" and should represent a loss of about half your
initial high key altitude. Continue the turn and in the middle of your
turn to final, called "Base Key", you should have lost half the
altitude you had at Low Key.
In a bind, you can enter this pattern at Low Key or Base Key but you
have to know how much altitude your airplane loses in in each stage of
the pattern.
Works like a charm. Had to use it once.
Bart
