Flying last weekend it a pretty fresh but constant wind of 12-15 knots, I was mindful of into wind fields should a forced landing be needed.
However, as the sun lowered, the into wind fields were also into sun, with much impaired forward vis, due in part to a carelessly cleaned screen.
So the question is, should you make the best of a nice and slow into wind landing, or go in another direction with a consequential higher touchdown speed, and more energy to dissipate ?
By: mike currill - 10th December 2014 at 21:11
Basically what I was trying to say but so much better worded.
By: Moggy C - 10th December 2014 at 20:17
My planned first action in the event of an engine failure at altitude is to turn downwind, i.e. with the wind behind me.
So the sun may be in my face whilst searching for the field to pick, but at least my landing will be with the sun behind.
Alternatively, I will be searching for the field with the sun behind me, knowing that at some point once I have identified the field, I will be flying into the sun. But at least at that time I will have had a solid opportunity to check out the field as I fly past before the base and final turns.
So field into wind (almost) every time for me.
Moggy
By: mike currill - 10th December 2014 at 18:49
I’d say the slowest touchdown speed possible would be the way to go. If you have to run into an obstruction the slower you are travelling the better for all concerned.
Sign In
December 10, 2014 at 5:20 pm