The Idea is to give the pilot primative instructions that are easy to
fall back on in very bad situations. Keep the rules simple and easy to
follow. In the glider the student is taught exactly what power pilots
are taught with a modification. In the Glider below 200 feet land
straight ahead. In a power plane always land straight ahead when
departing.

We perhaps fall down a bit on the explanation for power pilots. Most
power pilots turn Crosswind at about 500'. In most airplanes and most
airports this is about the point where the turn can be made back to
runway with average skill. It is also high enough that most power
pilots can judge if they can make it back or not and have some time to
make that decision. Plus they can see the runway from this point to
make that decision. So we tend to simplify this to just don't turn back
on departure. It is simple and easy to recall when your airplane
unexpectedly becomes a glider.

The Champ is a neat airplane I have given about 400 hours of
instruction in them. But as you point out you were in the Ideal
situation. 1. You knew the engine was going to quit. Although a good
pilot is always expecting that. 2. You moved downwind (I assume) so
that only 180 degree turn was required. 3. you are in a light slow
airplane with a tight turning radius. 4. you kept your speed up during
the climb out.

Other factors to consider.

If aligned with the runway when the engine quits you must do 360
degrees of Turn. 270 followed by a 90 of some something simlar (225,
straight then 45)

Ground Ilusions and Wind. How many people know what it looks like to do
a downwind turn at 150 feet. It looks like you are going very fast when
you are not. I Watched a Champ Stall spin due to this. Try doing some
downwind approaches and Go Arounds with a 10-15kt tailwind. Be prepared
for some very flat climb angles and keep you airspeed up. It will look
like you are going fast when you are not.


G-Loading- You are doing a steep turn you pulling G's. The Stall speed
increases during the Turn.

G-unloading - Ever notice the tendency to Climb after doing a 360
degree steep turn. Somehow your brain interpretes this unloading as not
natural and you will unconsously tend to pull up and slow down even if
you are alreadu slow. Several Glider stall/spin accidents have been
attributed to this phenomea after low passes and pull up's.

Cross wind- Gliders usually pay attention to this because turning into
the wind can really help keep you close to the runway, Turning downwind
can push you away from it.


Thanks for reporting your finding. I firmly believe the more experience
you have the better pilot you can be. Your practice has the potential
to make you a much better pilot.
Now I would suggest you try the test flying straight off the Runway at
your best rate of climb speed. Wait the 3-4 seconds because you are
going to have to decide if a turn is the best thing to do. and then try
landing back on the 150ft wide runway you departed. My Guess is with
this critera that you will find the 400 feet is probably the minumum
you want even in the Champ (Try left and right turns). if you are
turning crosswind at 500 feet it is easy to simplfy the issue to just
don't turn back on departure. Crosswind Maybe Downwind almost
Definintly.

Brian
CFIIG/ASEL
HP16T