Practice Engine outs Trikes

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MILO
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Practice Engine outs Trikes

Postby MILO » Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:47 pm

I haven't flown for 2 months & decided to spend some time in the curcuit on Sunday morning. Couple of practice landings etc alls fine. Making my calls I climbed to 900ft AGl over the middle of the runway, simulated engine out (have not done one of those for + 2 years) with the motor on idle. (Have not thought about Hassell for a while)
Stretched the glide trying to hit the spot & came down a bit harder than usual.
Second attempt this time switching the motor off. I hit the spot with lots of speed - perfect.
Noticed the prop slows down (windmilling for a couple of seconds before stopping).
(**) Man you drop like a stone - if you don't have altitude there is no time for radio calls, no time for attempted restart, no time for looking for a place to land. If you need to turn (in this case 360 degrees) the descent is very rapid.
This must be a very unpleasant experiance if you are not prepared.
You have to do one of these once in a while - its an interesting experiance and awsome refresher.

I battled to start afterwards - not sure why - maybe supercooling, flooding due to the windmill without spark so I can't rely on a resart in simulation if things go pear shaped.

H - Height (sufficient to complete the intended manoeuvre above your
base height)
A - Airframe in the correct state (gear, flaps, canopy, anything else)
S - Straps secure
S - Security (no loose objects, especially the fire extinguisher)
E - Engine (Ts & Ps, mixture/fuel flow, prop, cowls, fuel selector and
pump)
L - Location (clear of cloud, built-up areas, controlled airspace,
Orientation)
L - Lookout (clearing turns or wingovers)
If you can fly today - leave everything else for tomorrow
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Petrodactyl
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Re: Practice Engine outs Trikes

Postby Petrodactyl » Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:11 am

Totally agree with you, Milo. This is why ecouraging competition flying is so beneficial - everyone goes out and practices their dead-sticks - preferably in varying wind conditions and both standard and cross-wind. Do it often enough, and when the noise behind (or in front of) you stops, its almost routine...

We add one more L to HASSELL(L) - 'LANDING' - just to instill a culture of always having a potential landing spot in sight.

Interesting how even a prop at idle extends your glide noticably. A stationary prop is more drag, for sure
Christian Carver

Go Fly a Trike!

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nicow
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Re: Practice Engine outs Trikes

Postby nicow » Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:16 am

I also agree with you,and it is also important to practise engine out on take off-it happend with me,and I now practise it more often.
Nico
Limpopo Flight School
nico@limpopoflightschool.co.za

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