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Again, my original post was about engine management relative to the
accident/loss of the 320 out in California. My emphasis was on making the
engine work during the descent and not just being near idle for the long
descent. Keep the RPM back (2200) and the MAP up (23" +/-) and let the
speed build, which is about 185 kts. or so at 700 fpm. But the
arrival takes a little planning.
At my uncontrolled airport it makes sense, traffic permitting, to make a
360 deg turn from overhead the runway to the downwind, around to final.
But that means arriving over the threshhold at 185 +/- knots. If gear down
speed is 120 kts. it makes sense to be over the runway at an altitude low enough
to permit a climbing turn to the downwind, which dissipates the speed.
1. It is not a "high speed, low pass." It is a normal speed,
low approach with the option. The Lancair is fast. Fast is
normal
2. I don't boast to anyone. There is rarely anyone
around. There is noone to impress. I am 69 years old tomorrow and I
am past the point of thinking I'll impress anyone. With over 11,000
hours in high performance aircraft (Navy tailhook and business jets) I am
interested in flying the machine within its envelope, which is fast.
I see no point in trying to operate my 320 within the parameters of
the average spam can, meaning no disrespect.
3. The purpose of my procedure at my home airport and at any other
uncontrolled airport where the traffic permits, or when a tower
controller will authorize a low approach with the option is to fly my
airplane in the most efficient manner, fast, the way it was designed and
intended. Most times at other airports, a downwind entry is required, or a
straight-in, or even an instrument approach, which requires good descent
planning to get the thing slowed down out far enough to enable gear down and
time to get set up without getting behind the airplane.
The discussions of flying these airplanes safely has been useful I
think for everyone. Every pilot and airplane has limitations and it is our
responsibility to know our limitations and the limitations and flight
characterisics of the airplanes we build. Don't do something you are not
prepared for or capable of completing to a successful recovery.
George Shattuck
N320GS
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