Netters Mark's experience shared here is exactly what we should all try to do when things "happen". We just might save a life. That is the reason I became an Aviation Safety Counselor with the FAA. It is a volunteer position that assists the FAA Safety Program in putting on Safety Seminars, and promoting a lower risk atmosphere for us all to operate in. Any who desire should look into this at their local FSDO.
Cessna stopped making the 172 model with 40 degrees flaps for the same reason as Mark found with belly board down; the plane would not climb, and if the pilot panicked, he was in the trees. Larry's mentioning of planning a proper timing for a go-around is exactly what all of us should rehearse when NOT required to perform for safety reasons, in order to be ready for the real thing, when someone or something makes us react unexpectedly. One more thought: when I teach a student, I have then sit in a chair at home, and when they come to fly, get there early, and perform what we call "chair flying". I have them sit and rehearse with no engine running, no radio, just concentration, and rehearse every procedure that they possibly could be asked or required to perform in flight. This establishes the practice, for the you play the way you practice, and then we do it the same way during a lesson. Then while test flying the plane, and you have already done your speed measurements for the day etc..., go through your emergency procedures. Simulate an emergency engine out and setup a glide to a field you choose, then go through whatever troubleshooting you can do. Start at 3000 so that you have plenty of time, and can also find out what altitude is too low for complete troubleshooting, and the focus should only be on getting down safely. When the pucker factor reaches 10, you will bless this rehearsal because it will come without thinking and you can FLY THE PLANE! That is why I have shared my checklists with anyone who has asked; because all should rehearse their procedures on a regular basis. Mark's training included a calm approach to troubleshooting while still flying the plane; how do I know? because he reported he knew what his climb rate was. His main focus was flying the plane. GOOD JOB MARK! Just some thoughts.... Brian I have the EGT, can't find the mixture gauge.... Colin crain...@cfl.rr.com http://kr-builder.org/Colin/index.html KR2(td) N96TA Sanford, FL Apex Lending, Inc. 407-323-6960 (p) 407-557-3260 (f) crai...@apexlending.com
