Ralf –

 

I just returned from a trip to Ohio to retrieve my plane. I delayed my departure for three days due to the conditions you describe. When I pulled the plane out to run the engine there was a real danger that I might slip and crack my skull. What you can’t see in the photo is that some of those snow patches cover frozen puddles which are more slippery than black ice. Guess how I know that.

 

One of the mechanics at the repair shop was a former Alaska bush pilot. He scoffed at my caution and told of how he routinely took off and landed on snow. Since he was flying professionally I expect that someone else owned the plane. Also, they mainly fly Cessnas and Super Cubs up there, which is a very different kettle of fish. I also imagine that Alaskan runway conditions are packed snow on top of more packed snow on top of dirt. That is quite different from what you’re describing.

 

I enjoy driving in the snow. I taught myself to do donuts, power slides, parking brake turns, etc. But the penalty for a mistake is nothing more than sliding into a snow bank and having to ask some kindly stranger to pull you out, then you’re off to do it again. How do you test the ground handling performance of a Lancair in slippery conditions? I’d be willing to try it if I could find a 3000’ runway that was also 1000’ wide.

 

My plane was in Ohio because of a nose gear collapse which damaged the prop. The whole incident took less than a second but it took 50 days to get it back in the air. How long would it take you to slide off the side of the runway if you lost control at 60kts? Would the airplane survive undamaged? Not likely.

 

We fly recreationally. Be patient and wait for the sun to come out and melt those snow patches.

 

 

Dear subscribers,

 

We have winter in Ohio now and most of our runways are plowed but still do have compacted patchy snow on it.

 

Is there anybody on the list who can give me some advice on departing and landing a 4P on snow?

 

How much runway do I need if braking action is very small? Does it behave like normal or is it much different on snow? How do you hold it straight at the start when the rudder is not working yet?

 

Any input is appreciated.

 

Thanks

Ralf