| Overview |
My route to and
from work used to be along the A303 past Popham. I'd
often see microlights flying the length of the runway
at about 50 to 100 feet, on approach they would suddenly
drop a wing and fly the length of the runway nose high
at quite a high angle of bank. – It always puzzled
me as to why they were doing "aerobatics"
(a) in a microlight and
(b) at such a low altitude!
Then I got a job where my new boss had a share in a microlight
based at Popham. (He eventually sold that share and built his
own from a kit.) He explained that what I saw was students being
checked out that they could handle a gust as they were coming
in to land - the instructor would kick-in rudder and twitch the
ailerons to simulate the gust. - This was the last lesson just
before their first solo. We can't replicate either the instructor
simulating the wind gust or an actual gust of wind in the simulator
but the "Challenge" is as follws. |
| Start Time and Place |
This event lasts
for the duration of the month of October, however it
is suggested that to maximise the fun (and perhaps
the mayhem) the preferred date should be Friday the
15th! The event will take place at our Club base at
Sherburn in Elmet (EGCJ). There is club scenery for
this airfield available in both FSX and X-Plane format.
|
| The Exercise |
Start parked outside the CIX VFR Club house at Sherburn : -
- Taxi to the active runway (Beware of the “Hot Spot” at the junction of taxiways B and C!)
- Take off and fly a circuit, then when on final descend
to 100 feet and Fly the length of the runway maintaining
a height of between 50 and 100 feet.
- Climb away and fly a circuit, descending to 100 feet on final.
- Fly straight along the length of the runway maintaining
a height of between 50 and 100 feet while banked to the right
by at least 5 degrees without turning off course.
- Climb away and fly a circuit, descending to 100 feet on final.
- Fly straight along the length of the runway maintaining
a height of between 50 and 100 feet while banked to the left
by at least 5 degrees without turning off course.
- Climb away and fly a circuit, descending to 100 feet on final.
- Repeat 4,5,6, & 7 as required to achieve (and note) your greatest possible angle of bank, then: -
- Before reaching the threshold apply your noted bank to the right, after crossing the threshold recover and perform a "Touch and Go".
- Climb away and fly a circuit, descending to 100 feet on final.
- Before reaching the threshold apply your noted bank to the left, after crossing the threshold recover and perform a "Touch and Go".
- Climb away, fly a circuit and land.
- Taxi back to the CIX VFR Club house. (Beware of the “Hot Spot” at the junction of taxiways B and C!)
To add to the fun, post your best angle of bank with or without accompanying screenshot(s) on the forum. Let's all have a laugh!
|
| Flight Planning (Plan-G,
Little NavMap) |
No detailed flight plan is required as you will be remaining “in
the circuit” for the whole exercise! |
| What Aircraft can I fly |
Although the “real-world” inspiration
for this event came from observing 3-axis microlights,
any single engine light GA aircraft meeting the club
rules may be flown. |
| Acknowledgements |
Event Idea: Max Symons
Event planning: Max Symons
Briefing: Max Symons & Peter Dodds |
VFR Club
