Bob F. wrote:
The term "coffin corner" has the term "critical mach" in the formula.
I've never been at critical mach at such a low altitude. A little to
fast for an approach. So now you're telling me that the term "coffin
corner" has been high jacked to mean something different. Wouldn't be
the first time!

Yes, that is exactly right. In the engineering sense I as well as you,
have always heard he term used in the sense you are using it.
In the world of high performance singles, especially in the figher
community, terms are often "stolen" or used in conversation so often
that they eventually become generic in the industry.
The term "Coffin Corner" as relates to "dragging it in" has been a
mainstay in our industry since the 50's. The F100 crash at Edwards
in 56 solidified the term to posterity. A young pilot named Barty Brooks
augured in when his nose wheel malfunctioned. He got so far behind the
curve on approach he couldn't lower the nose to recover the sink. The
subsequent crash has been used to demonstrate area of reverse command
issues t both the Naval and Air Force Test Pilot Schools for as long as
I can remember.
Actually, the other use of the term as well had it's origins within the
test community as do most terms like "coffin corner" :-)
Both are correct. I'm sure Bertie will eventually pop in and remind us
both of the blind men feeling the elephant. I agree with him
actually.That one's becoming one of my favorite Usenet analogies :-))

--
Dudley Henriques