- Joined
- Oct 30, 2003
- Messages
- 18,374
- Location
- Santa Maria, California
- Aircraft
- Givens Predator
- Total Flight Time
- 2600+ in rotorcraft
In another thread using a vertical descent in an emergency landing is discussed.
As I was writing my response and remembering what I don’t like about vertical descents I remembered back when I was constantly practicing engine at idle landings so I was prepared for when the engine went quiet.
I was always looking for potential landing zones.
There was a part of me that wanted to have a real engine out just to see if I could handle it.
My emergency landing skills have since been validated several times over.
I felt there might be value in sharing my opinions based on my experience with an emergency landing in a gyroplane.
I typically fly a thousand feet above the ground.
That suggests to me and experience has validated that I have less than forty two seconds to:
I still regularly practice simulated engine out downwind landings.
I am still always search for potential landing zones as I fly.
I still constantly monitor the wind direction.
I fly a little higher over difficult terrain.
As I was writing my response and remembering what I don’t like about vertical descents I remembered back when I was constantly practicing engine at idle landings so I was prepared for when the engine went quiet.
I was always looking for potential landing zones.
There was a part of me that wanted to have a real engine out just to see if I could handle it.
My emergency landing skills have since been validated several times over.
I felt there might be value in sharing my opinions based on my experience with an emergency landing in a gyroplane.
I typically fly a thousand feet above the ground.
That suggests to me and experience has validated that I have less than forty two seconds to:
- Figure out if I can get the engine making power again.
- Figure out which way the wind is blowing.
- Find a suitable landing zone that is within reach.
- Come up with a working plan.
- Check for obstacles in my landing zone.
- Check for wires along my flight path to my landing zone.
- Confirm my landing zone is clear as I get closer.
- Confirm that my plan is working even though it may be too late to modify it.
I still regularly practice simulated engine out downwind landings.
I am still always search for potential landing zones as I fly.
I still constantly monitor the wind direction.
I fly a little higher over difficult terrain.