Testing your glide. Are people doing this?

Whenever there is somebody holding on the apron, waiting for me to land when
I'm on downwind, I simulate an engine out. Generally these folk would have
plenty of time to takeoff ahead of me, but maybe they're students or just in
no real rush, but I hate to make them wait any longer than necessary. As
soon as I hear them call that they're going to wait for me to land, I pull
the power.

mike regish

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:4Wtmb.25865$HS4.93467@attbi_s01...
Folks should go out and practice this a bunch. Early in the morning
high
above
the airport, they should simulate a glide onto the runway, to get a feel
for
the descent rate, speed, angle, etc. etc.

Now that we monitor Unicom at all hours, I can tell you that it is VERY
rare
to hear someone practicing any "engine out" procedures over our airport.
Even though we have a very active bunch of flight instructors, we almost
never hear anyone announce this extremely important routine.

Now, perhaps they are taking students to a smaller, less busy airport
nearby -- but I doubt it. I think it's just one of those things that new
pilots do with their instructors over rural areas, and then rarely
practice
again. And they almost never do it over an airport.

I know I haven't done the "engine out" routine for a looong time -- but I
plan to at our next opportunity. Thanks for the reminder, Montblack!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"