Promoting the safe enjoyment of aviation for pilots, aircraft builders and enthusiasts.
Bob, Kirkby, and I flew from Canada to the U.S. via Cut Bank, facing delays at customs. We navigated through challenging weather and made fuel stops in Ennis, Blackfoot, and Wendover before reaching Boulder City. The trip culminated in sightseeing military aircraft at Nellis Air Force Base while in Las Vegas.
The author reflects on flying their Rihn DR-107 and the challenges faced due to unexpected performance issues during aerobatics and landings. A buildup of insects on the wings contributed to these problems, highlighting the importance of keeping the aircraft clean. After cleaning the wings, the plane performed as expected, restoring confidence.
A stabilized approach is essential for safe landings, as it ensures consistent airspeed, configuration, and glidepath during final approach, ideally from 500 feet above the runway. An unstabilized approach, characterized by changes in these variables, increases the risk of accidents. If unstable, pilots should prefer to go around rather than attempt a landing.
Bob Kirkby discusses the challenges pilots face during engine failures after takeoff. Simulation training reveals that many pilots struggle to return to the runway, especially from low altitudes like 800 feet AGL. The lessons emphasize the importance of maintaining wings level and landing straight ahead instead of attempting a return.
The Ground-loop is a popular, acrobatic maneuver in aviation, often executed unexpectedly and from various speeds, primarily during landing. While its performance is typically unscored due to visibility issues, it showcases historical significance in aerobatics. Preparation entails minimal pilot intervention and certain aircraft modifications. It can be varied creatively, leading to entertaining displays.
Pilots commonly err in crosswind landings by mismanaging airspeed, often flying too fast, which increases exposure to wind near the ground. They also neglect to maintain aileron control after touchdown, risking instability. To improve, pilots should practice in diverse conditions with a knowledgeable instructor, rather than only flying on calm days.
Tom Turner offers advice for achieving smoother landings, emphasizing that a successful landing stems from a good approach. Key elements include maintaining correct speed, proper configuration, and glide-path. Pilots should focus on the runway's far end, adjust control inputs accordingly, and hold back pressure during landing to ensure accuracy and smoothness.
The narrative follows a flying adventure where the author, despite a fear of flying over water, embarks on a trip with friends to Courtenay, BC. Unexpected events disrupt original plans to Oregon. The journey turns into an eye-opening experience filled with scenic landscapes, personal growth, and cherished memories, ultimately inspiring future adventures.
The post discusses a method for calculating the crosswind component during landings without advanced tools. By determining the wind's angle relative to the runway heading and visualizing it on a clock face, pilots can find the crosswind and headwind components. Techniques for handling strong crosswinds are also shared through personal experiences.
Inbound pilots should avoid making the call "any traffic please advise" on the CTAF, as it is not a recognized phrase and can block vital communications. This call may flood the frequency with responses, reducing safety instead of improving it. Instead, monitoring the CTAF for proper announcements is advised for situational awareness.
Calgary Recreational Flying Club YYC 