jimw@apollo.uucp (Jim Ward) (09/17/84)
Norm Babcock recently posted an article, asking about turning back to
the airport after a power loss on takeoff. I feel compelled to opine...
First, about procedures:
1. On ANY power loss, continue to Fly The Airplane. Setup best
glide speed (60 KIAS for a 152). On takeoff/climbout, this
means a big pitch change to get the nose down; don't be shy
and don't be slow. [Airplanes have 2 best glide speeds:
minimum sink and minimum (best) rate. Unfortunately, the
former is rarely published in handbooks.]
2. Taking into account altitude, type of airplane, wind, and
distance from the runway, decide whether to turn back. Generally,
for most light aircraft, any altitude less than 400-500' AGL
mandates no return to the departure runway. Remember that a
controlled arrival into a forested area is significantly safer
than a low altitude stall anywhere except a foot above the runway.
3. When you decide that a return to the departure runway is likely
to succeed, a teardrop turn is best so that the airplane is
aligned with the centerline as soon as possible. Sufficient
airspeed for the angle of bank, and coordinated turns are
important. Use flaps and a slip if necessary.
Instructors who don't do this with students aren't completely
fulfilling their duties as prescribed by FAR 61, which states that
pre-solo students are to be taught about low altitude emergencies.
(Pulling the power abeam the numbers on downwind is cake compared
to a power failure on takeoff. Many instructors, however unfortunate,
consider this 'the' low altitude emergency. Sigh.)
My students see three types of power failures during take offs:
1. Over the runway shortly after rotation. Nose down, flaps,
and brakes. (I suppose it's superfluous that I suggest
a runway of sufficient length to stop comfortably before the
end.)
2. At about 300 AGL. (Instructors, know thy airplane; don't do
this in airplanes with persnickety engines!)
3. At about 800 AGL. Be sure that nobody's behind you and that
the tower approves, if this applies.
By the way, if the engine is to fail on takeoff, the likelihood of a
failure is greatest at the first power reduction. It's for this reason
that takeoff power should be held unchanged until the airplane is at an
altitude from which a safe return to the runway is virtually guaranteed.
Safe flying.
Jim Ward, CFI-AI
Apollo Computer Inc.
15 Elizabeth Drive, MS CHA02RD
Chelmsford, MA 01824
617/256-6600 x6433