Low-altitude flight

Dan,

Thank you for your insightful post on low-altitude maneuvering.

Just yesterday during an instructional flight, my student entered the
pattern too low (especially for someone with low experience). After
some prodding from Mr. Backseater, the student started looking outside
better. After recognizing that we were low, the student acknowledged
that we could not fly a normal traffic pattern. Instead, the pattern
would have to be abbreviated.

The student turned base to final at 100 feet AGL with a rather steep
bank, influenced by her changed depth perception and altered sense of
speed during this unplanned low-altitude maneuvering. Indeed, the
inside wing seemed as if it was racing ahead of the terrain.
Therefore, I respectfully add one more comment to your good analysis
on low-altitude maneuvering: There may be a strong desire to use
inside rudder to slow the perceived speed of the inside wing, and to
reduce the radius of turn (resulting in a skidding turn).

Due to your post, not only will I be more aware of this low-altitude
hazard, but my students will, too.

Raul Boerner