Problem with big schools

[Kaman]

Hello,
Not to burst your bubble or perception about the "Top 5%" of Naval Aviators being selected to return to the training command. Perhaps this might be the case with the TACAIR community, but absolutely IS NOT the case in the helicopter community. The training command is where careers end or stagnate and not perpetuate to command. Look at the biographies of current and fomer Navy helo squadron C.O.s. Most had a tour as an instructor, but at the FRS (Fleet Replacement Squadron). This is where career-minded officers coming off their first operational tour are trying to go, NOT VT-6 or HT-18. This isn't a slam on the guys that go to those commands, because they are also top-notch pilots, but not generally career-minded.

Regards,

ex-Navy rotorhead

 

[JediNein]

Soft-fields in T-tails

The MEL PTS calls for soft-field landings and if the manufacturer's POH/AFH does not have a procedure, the applicant is supposed to use the one in the "Airplane Flying Handbook". Certain singles neglect to mention procedures for soft-field, too. It's a matter of what the manufacturer decided to put in the book.
Dry grass is fun, wet grass I have yet to take a liking to. Fresh snow is a blast, especially if you can look back and see twin plumes of snow blowing out behind the wheels. Ice can also be fun, ice skating in an airplane... patchy ice is not fun.

Having yet to touch the topic in a multi, is it proper procedure to rotate below Vmc and stay in ground effect? And if the airplane yaws, is it a chop-n-stop? How high do instructors let the students climb above the runway in this case (2", 6", 1')?

Thanks!
Jedi Nein

 

[skydork]

Good point about the Vmc

I'm not sure on other twins, but as far as the seminole, VMC is below Vs

 

[172driver]

The MEL PTS calls for soft-field landings and if the manufacturer's POH/AFH does not have a procedure, the applicant is supposed to use the one in the "Airplane Flying Handbook".

The MEL PTS calls for no such thing, either for commercial or private. Again, there is a reason the manufacturer and the FAA do not mention the soft field technique. I don't believe the AFH mentions such a thing for twins either. Just try and hold the nose up in a twin while landing. The longer you hold it, the harder it falls...not a good thing on a soft field.

Can a twin be flown on a soft field...obviously. Is it the same procedure as published in the AFH for singles...probably not. Is it safe to lift off below Vmc...yes, as long as the engines continue to run. Is that a risk you're comfortable with? Definitely not for me on a daily basis with students at the controls.

 

[JediNein]

Hmmm.. Rough water takeoff certainly is not a soft field takeoff. It also explains why I haven't seen the topic in training. Back to the books for me. :rollseyes:

Thanks 172Driver!

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein