Yes Professor Bill - In a Lancair you can go down or you can slow down but
you can't do both at the same time - It's the Luddite first law for decent
descent planning.
I love GPS approaches - Up to the IAF get to the right altitude, from the
IAF to the IF you have 5 miles to get to the desired approach speed, from
the IF to the FAF you have 5 miles to stabilize at the
flight configuration and altitude that only requires dropping the gear
at the FAF to follow vertical guidance to the runway.
VFR approaches to an airport can be thought about in the same way - 15
miles out get to some reasonable altitude, then spend the next 5 or so
getting to approach speed, the next five stabilized and the last 5 calmly
maneuvering for the "pattern" and landing. Of course, this assumes you are
going to forego the overhead approach technique of blasting in at close to
cruise speed, pulling sharply up to drain the speed whilst quickly configuring
for the landing and finishing off nicely to the applause of those already safely
on the ground....
Grayhawk
PS I want to go from 15000 to 5000 at 1000 ft/min. That's 10 minutes
and I want to do it at 180 Kts (ignoring GS). (10/60)*180=30 NM. Of
course, if I want to do it at 3000 ft/min, it can be done in 10 miles if I can
hold her to the 180 Kts.
In a message dated 6/14/2012 10:56:23 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
n5zq@verizon.net writes:
Gordon,
If you add speed brakes, just be sure to label
the switch correctly. It should be labeled the “oh shit, I forgot to properly
plan my descent, again” switch.
Bill Harrelson
N5ZQ 320 2,050 hrs
N6ZQ IV under construction
Hello
all.
What are
your thoughts on adding speed brakes to a NA ES? Although I am still flying in
Phase 1, I can feel the extra difficulties in "coming down and slowing down".
The combination of a sleek airframe and no gear to throw down adds noticeable
speed to descents.
I did put the pockets and conduits in before closing
the wings, so the install would be much easier.
I did pose
this question to the ES group and got mixed reactions, although most feel they
are not necessary, and several do not use them even though they are equipped
with them.
Anyone have a set of brakes they want to part with if I move
forward on this?
Thanks
Gordon
ES
N144GP