Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!hou3c!hocda!houxm!hogpc!4432jrm From: 4432jrm@hogpc.UUCP (J.MASSI) Newsgroups: net.aviation Subject: Re: Never Turn Back (nf) Message-ID: <455@hogpc.UUCP> Date: Thu, 20-Sep-84 16:20:13 EDT Article-I.D.: hogpc.455 Posted: Thu Sep 20 16:20:13 1984 Date-Received: Tue, 25-Sep-84 19:51:26 EDT Lines: 56 A composite follow-up: }3. Pick a place to put it down - assume that the engine won't } start again. Turning back to the runway is an acceptable } choice if altitude is CLEARLY ADEQUATE. } }In gliders, the analogous situation is a towrope break, particularly }during the early part of the tow, or any problem that affects the }towplane. In any situation where the towpilot has a loss of power }or any other engine problem, they will wave the glider off, and then }drop the rope, since the glider is always better equiped to deal with }the emergency than the power plane. }With sailplanes, once you have twoo hundred feet above }the ground it is OK to turn back. I suspect with a 150 you }would want another 100 or 200 feet in height. Rule number 3, "Pick a place to put it down...Turning back ...is an acceptable choice if altitude is CLEARLY ADEQUATE," is appropriate for gliders as well as power planes. Although some texts on glider training imply that 200 feet is a magic number, the truth is, like for so many questions related to flying, "IT DEPENDS." Yes, under most conditions a pilot should not consider turning back to the runway if below 200 feet. There are circumstances under which it is unsafe to turn back even though over 200 feet. Wind speed and direction, rate of climb of towplane and glider before the rope break or release (i.e. altiude and distance from airport), airspeed, and other factors may dictate an off-field landing even though 200 feet have been gained. It is possible, though less likely, under SOME conditions to safely return to the airport from less than 200 feet. It all depends upon the situation. Don't be blinded by a magic number, FLY THE AIRPLANE! I feel that it is a good idea to simulate the conditions of an engine failure on departure at altitude, but remember again that the altitude loss experienced at altitude will not be a magic number. It should be used only as a guide. Close to the ground things do not always work out as they do at altitude. A pilot a low altitude has to deal with wind gradient, turbulence from trees, buildings, and the nerves that come from a real emergency. I too have experienced an actual tow emergency. At about 200 feet (I don't know the exact number, I was too busy to worry about the altimeter) I experienced a premature release due to turbulence. Judgement told me I could return to the airport and my passenger and I did so safely. It was considerably more exciting than the simulated (though very real) rope breaks I practiced with my instructor. Joe Massi, Comm. Glider ASEL, AIGI