What happens when you stall a Europa in a turn?
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Gilles Thesee
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 06:27
Subject: Re: Europa-List: 180 turns
<Gilles.Thesee@ac-grenoble.fr>
William Harrison a crit :
> John Brownlow, who did my conversion training for the Europa,
> told/showed me that you can do a safe 180 turn back from 300 feet
> (much lower than for many types). I practised a few times. I think
> I'll practise a few more times.
William and all,
Sorry to hear about this sad loss.
The first thing an instructor shows, is that it takes more than a 180 to
turn back to the runway : it is safe to assume it takes one 270 degree
turn in one direction, and 90 degrees in the other direction to land
back on the same runway. 360 degrees total. You also need some height to
straighten the wings and flare.
360 degrees is twice what many pilots feel is necessary, hence the
dramatic turn of events when they realize they still have lots of
distance to travel to make the intended threshold. Most "turn back"
crashes occur AT THE END of the maneuver, when the ground is rushing
toward you at 1000 ft/min, and you are below tree tops, and still trying
to make that out-of-reach runway.
Of course, if you are far enough, you can replace this 270+90 by
something somewhat resembling a tear drop. But if you are far enough
---From the runway, you also have height and time to make sound decisions.
The second thing we show our students, is how much height it takes to
perform a power-off full 360 from a climb attitude at slow speed, with
flaps down and prop in fine pitch. 300 feet seems very low, especially
considering some Europas have less than gentle stall characteristics in
a turn, as evoked in last year postings.
I suggest Europa pilots do the maneuver (at a safe altitude) and report
the recorded loss of height for the education of us all.
My sympathy and thoughts go out to the families and friends.
Regards,
--
Gilles Thesee
http://contrails.free.fr
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