Fri, Feb 24, 2006
Aero-Tips!
A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard
this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer
statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of
"there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation
so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it
all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.
Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner,
master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us
-- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as
representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have
heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we
might never have considered before, or something that didn't
"stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for
the practical test.
It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers
become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our
ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those
strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow
them to soar magnificently through it.
Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you
through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are
always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips.
Remember... when it comes to being good pilots, we're all in this
together.
Aero-Tips 02.24.06
It’s not enough to move the landing gear switch to avoid a
gear-up landing. It’s not even enough to look for green
lights or other indications to check gear position. To truly verify
landing gear is down and locked you need to check at least four,
and perhaps five results of moving the gear handle.
Gear Verification
Be certain the landing gear is down by checking:
- Sound. Cycling the landing gear has a
predictable sound. Consciously listen for the pattern and duration
of sound. Does the gear or hydraulic motor run longer (or shorter)
than normal? Is the sound unusual or intermittent? Does the wind
noise meet expectations? Part of gear verification is hearing the
expected pattern of noise.
- Feel. How does the airplane feel as the gear
goes down? A Sierra I flew skewed a little right, then a little
left, then straighten out as gear legs extended one at a time. The
Apache and Super Viking give a hefty kick with the rudder pedals
once the hydraulic gear system reaches the downlocks. Expected
aircraft feel is part of verifying landing gear extension.
- Performance. The airplane will go through a
predictable change in performance with fully extended landing gear.
Most will go from level to a roughly 500 foot per minute descent,
with little or no change in airspeed. Some types nose up slightly
(as drag changes, and center of gravity shifts rearward as the
nosewheel pulls up and back) before entering a descent. Once
established, cross-check power settings, vertical speed and
airspeed -- if they don’t provide “normal”
values, it’s possible the gear isn’t fully down.
Compare actual performance to expected as a big part of verifying
gear extension.
- Look. Really look at the gear indicators to be
certain they read as expected. Don’t assume moving the switch
means the gear is down -- you’ve got to see the proper
indications.
- Confirm. In high-wing airplanes look outside
for a wheel. Ask right-seat passengers to check their side for you.
Many low-wing airplanes have a mirror that permits gear
observation. Visually confirm gear extension if possible.
Aero-tip of the day: Hear, feel, detect,
compare, see and confirm to avoid a gear-up landing.
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