Lift/Drag ratio chart
Engine Failures
Most aircraft accidents occur during the take-off and landing phase of the flight. Collisions with obstacles during climb out, runway overruns on landing occur every now and then. On this part of the site we will take a look at the various factors contributing to the performance of the aircraft in this part of the flight. Hopefully we help the pilot ensuring safe operation during these phases of the flight as the rules require that of the pilot in command.
A pilot uses best glide speed when he needs to fly the longest distance per unit of altitude lost. It is also used when the engine fails and a suitable landing place must be reached. Best glide speed is at that point where the lift/drag ratio is at its highest.
Forced Landing Without Power
A maneuver often practiced during training for the license and usually only when the pilot is up for the biannual flight review. We touch this subject as it is intimately related to best glide speed.
Basically it boils downs to this: always be aware of the wind direction and fly in such a way that you are able to reach a landing spot anytime. And if the engine does fail then this is what you should do after trimming for best glide speed.
During initial descent
- Check wind direction
- Select landing site and take note of obstacles
- Plan the 1500' and 1000' downwind points
- Choose 1/3 aim point
Trouble checks
- Fuel pump on, change tanks / contents, primer locked
- Mixture rich, carb heat on
- Ignition BOTH RIGHT LEFT BOTH checks
- Partial power check
Monitor descent
- Keep field insight / warm engine (during training), fly to 1500' point
Mayday call
- 3 x call, ATC, callsign, nature of problem, position, heading, altitude, xpndr set to 7700
Fly pattern
- Fly from 1500' to 1000' point, maintain best glide speed, monitor descent, keep eye on landing site
Pax brief
- Hatches closed, harnesses adjusted, check loose items, nearest house for help
- Emergency equipment, location axe, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, doors
Secure aircraft
- Fuel off, mixture lean, ignition off, master off (warm engine at this point during training)
At 1000' point
- Turn to landing area, keep field on wing tip
- Check wind, maintain best glide speed, set flaps as required
Landing
- Land as short as possible, ground loop if required
- Evacuate, secure aircraft, attend to injuries, obtain help
Practice this often as one fine day you might need it and its best to be proficient and mentally ready.
