Patchy runway, landing problem?

Thermal · Postby **Thermal** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 2:53 pm

Hi Guys

I have a question. We have got a training field that has a big patch of ground on the runway as you are about to flare. The rest of the runway is grass. Do you think this ground patch has an adverse effect on lift at that crucial point? Would this lead to unstable air as you are about to flare thus inducing a stall?

Thanks

diver · Postby **diver** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 5:11 pm

No

In thirty years I have never had the need to blame the runway surface.

Thermal · Postby **Thermal** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:11 am

Diver! This question was asked just out of intrest.
Fact is I can land the aircraft later!
Thanks

Cloud Warrior · Postby **Cloud Warrior** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:37 am

While flying at a strip at Northam, near Perth, I used to experience a lot of turbulence as I crossed the road running past the end of the runway. I would presume a bare patch of ground might have the same effect if the rest of the runway was grass.

Thermal · Postby **Thermal** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:43 am

Thanks cloud warrior!

Dre'man · Postby **Dre'man** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 9:43 am

I think it depends on the size of the patch and obviously the heat of the day. It may cause some lift but i don't think it will induce a stall. What have you experienced so far over the patch?

And remember no matter what the situation, never stop flying the plane in particular when just off the ground. I have spoken to many people who have been caught out during hte flare because they were expecting touchdown and were then caught out by a gust of wind.

Thermal · Postby **Thermal** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:27 am

Hi Dre'man

I must say after a hot day I do feel a definite bump when we fly over it. But my instructor did wake me up to the fact that thottle control is vital at this point. If you use the throttle correctly you can choose where to put the airie down and have some runway left to gather speed for your rotation.

I think this situation is the same as hitting a golf ball over a water hazard, if you allow this obstacle to take over your mind for those split seconds you will have an issue with it.

The patch doesnt bother me at all I just wanted to know if it will have an effect. In heinsight stalling shouldnt be an issue because the trottle is there at your disposal at any time, it is a totaly avoidable situation.

Thanks

Practise makes Perfect!

Dre'man · Postby **Dre'man** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:50 am

I hear you Thermal, you can never ask too many questions. However don't you find no matter how well you line up for landing there is always something to correct or gust to push you offline just before round out?

Thermal · Postby **Thermal** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 2:22 pm

Thats true I agree.

Landings can only be mastered if you train constantly. It is great practise. I know some pupils hate circuits but I love it. It keeps you thinking and looking the whole time.

loansharkblv · Postby **loansharkblv** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 8:38 am

Thermal wrote:Thats true I agree.

Landings can only be mastered if you train constantly. It is great practise. I know some pupils hate circuits but I love it. It keeps you thinking and looking the whole time.

Trust me - in time you will come to hate them..... :D

Thermal · Postby **Thermal** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 8:43 am

Ja! Afterall you dont fly to touchdown every 5 minutes hey?

loansharkblv · Postby **loansharkblv** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 8:54 am

Hehe - that's the truth...

What I experienced was that during the early phases of my circuit training I was VERY 'busy in the office' - time would just rush past.

Later as I became more proficient the circuit training became more and more fun and then as I mastered (can't think of another word but use mastered when compared to where I had been earlier) the circuit my mind began to wander...

At this stage I wanted to spread my wings and fly away not sit in the (now boring) circuit all day.

Retrospectively, the circuits (even the latter boring) ones where crucial and I am very thankful to my instructor for taking me down this road...

As time has passed I now sometimes find myself doing a circuit or so just for fun and playing out WHAT IF's

Hell, If I was bored of this after only a couple of hours imagine how bored he must have been with a couple of K under his belt....

Thermal · Postby **Thermal** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 10:58 am

That's true! I only have 12 hours now and I am hoping to go solo in my next lesson. I also think it depends on your instructor. This person can make circuit work difficult and boring but I must say my instructor is great when it comes to circuit work.

I must say that I have had a great time learning so far and circuits have proven to be a challenge but as you say if you become proficient in doing all the checks and calls it becomes a breeze. One tends to have a minute or two when all the checks and calls are done to let your thoughts wonder.

Cool bananas!

Have a great Christmas and a lekka New Year chat again soon!

Thunderboy · Postby **Thunderboy** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 1:13 pm

Yes ground plays a role. At cross winds if you take off from runway 28 on a hot day as you pass over a tarred drag strip on the other side of the run way you can have a loss of lift and soetimes even sink

Thats when you just have to keep it level a pull back a bit once over the tar to lift aain

FAWGie · Postby **FAWGie** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 8:08 am

loansharkblv wrote:
Thermal wrote:Thats true I agree.

Landings can only be mastered if you train constantly. It is great practise. I know some pupils hate circuits but I love it. It keeps you thinking and looking the whole time.

Trust me - in time you will come to hate them..... :D

I hope that that sentiment doesn't include the instructor too?

Patchy runway, landing problem?

Patchy runway, landing problem?

Patchy runway?!

thanks

Who is online