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A common mistake by small plane pilots is to try and make a U-turn and glide back to the airport. It usually doesn't work since you lose so much altitude durin
by brfox 18y ago
A common mistake by small plane pilots is to try and make a U-turn and glide back to the airport. It usually doesn't work since you lose so much altitude during the turns. This pilot seemed to do an amazing job of finding the best glide rate and not turning too much - and then somehow figuring out how to land the plane in the water.
- logjam 18y agoAnd you really lose a lot of altitude in the stall you induce in that turn, or trying to extend a glide by back pressure, engine(s) out. When in doubt, land straight out.
- dcminter 18y agoOne of the articles I perused mentioned that the pilot was a glider pilot as well. I wonder if he acquired some transferable skills!
- LogicHoleFlaw 18y agoEx-glider pilots have been known to do awesome and unorthodox things in order to save a jetliner. This tale of the "Gimli Glider" is another example of grace in an extreme situation. http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=744 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=744