Turn back landing

[flyguy]

Don't get too excited, I was just doing another emergency practice exercise.

We have a 3800 ft runway. I made my second check of "how low can you be" and turn back to the runway dead-stick today. My last one was a few days ago and I made it from 500 AGL. Had a lot of altitude to spare that time.

So I tried 300 AGL today and it worked out well. I should say that my intended point was 300 AGL because even after the throttle is retarded the plane keeps going up as one starts the turn back.

I also have to admit to cheating a bit in that I climb out at an angle to the right of the runway most of my take offs if it doesn't present any safety problems. The reason being that the turn back is not 180 degrees if you are taking off straight out aligned with the runway. It is actually more like 360 degrees. Being offset from the runway gives you a considerable advantage in the turn.

The last little turn to line up with the runway as right down on the deck, but the airspeed was still quite safe.

So 300 ft AGL is my go-no-go altitude now.

[Scott]

Re: Turn back landing

I have no numbers but I have experienced a dead stick in my Tcraft and there is a significant difference in glide ratio of idling engine vs stopped or windmilling propeller. Something to allow for in your planning

[PA1195]

Re: Turn back landing

All this scenario can be done safely at altitude. Pull the power to idle on a given heading and altitude in expected gear and flight configuration, assume Vg, and try various bank angles to achieve a reversal (lift versus stall speed versus turn radius). Note the loss of altitude for each scenario.

No need to practice it near the ground. Winds can affect the ultimate response.

Never adjust anything until a safe altitude is reached and insure adequate fuel is in the header tank during hight AOA takeoffs.

Gary

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Turn back landing

The best way to learn the basics is to look for a local glider club and ask to practice rope breaks. Glider pilots prepare for a
power loss" on EVERY tow and you get really good at it, because a good instructor will BEAT YOU UP with them if you screw up. I have done dozens of "rope breaks" flying gliders (where the instructor releases just after take off). If you forget to announce that you are at a safe altitude to return to the field you can almost be guaranteed a "rope break".
If one is available, a 2-22 flys a lot like a Taylorcraft with the engine off.

Hank

[3Dreaming]

Re: Turn back landing

Also remember that practice is different than the real thing. If you are going to practice wait a few, and maybe as much as 5 seconds before you do anything to compensate for that deer in the headlights moment.

[astjp2]

Re: Turn back landing

Go up to altitude, shut your engine off, slow your speed until the prop stops and see how different your airplane performs, then go into a steep dive to get the propeller rotating again and restart the engine. It really shows the difference in performance. and you will probably need to reach VNE to get the prop rotating again so have enough altitude and be over a strip if you are not successful. Tim

[astjp2]

Re: Turn back landing

Power off and power on stalls in a turn are also good practice, those are the ones you get in an approach and departure situations. Tim

[PA1195]

Re: Turn back landing

At an early stage I was taught turning slips to a safe spot landing if needed and practiced them often. During my recent Flight Review the experienced instructor commanded that maneuver abeam the area in a C-172. Down we went in a steep turn and landed as planned...all based on hours of practice and muscle memory.

I mentioned gear and flight configuration earlier. Add draggy skis, floats, or constant speed/flat pitch prop, or deployed flaps and the E/O reversal rules change. Practice for them all.

Gary