Ol Shy & Bashful <selwaykid@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> What is the most dangerous time of any flight? On average, when should
> a pilot be the most aware of what is going on? Gonna post this on
> student forum too. Should be most interesting.
I like to divide things into "mental" and "physical". Of course they work
together, but some things require more quick and precise reactions without
needing a gerat deal of brainpower behind them, and some require lots of
thinking but no immediate reactions.
So then, I'd say the takeoff is the most physically demanding (as a glider
pilot, here). Aside from keeping track of which emergency option is
currently the one to take (land on the remaining runway, land in a field,
180 back to the runway, fly a regular pattern) there isn't much mental
activity, but the chosen option has to be executed swiftly and correctly
in the event of an emergency.
Landing would then be the most mentally demanding. Generally there are
ample seconds available to actually take action, but the brain has to be
fully engaged constantly looking at position, altitude, wind, nasty people
on the ground who like to pull out in front of landing aircraft, etc.
Some are probably going to say "a pilot should *always* be fully aware of
what's going on!" But I say that's unrealistic. A human brain can't be
fully engaged for long periods of time, and trying to force it will just
degrade its performance for the times when you *really* need it. Better to
relax somewhat when as far away as possible from any solid objects and
save the mental energy for when they're closer at hand.
> I hope we can steer this forum to a helpful and informative forum and
> get away from the personal bull**** attacks.
Hell yes! Right now we (as in ras, not rap) seem to be managing perhaps
1/3rd real content 2/3rds crap, which is doable, but not too fun.
> I really invite more participation by the pilots who are still low
> time and need some good advice. There are a lot of people with lots of
> diverse experience here to help out. I have no vested interest except
> for that implied assist to those who ask for help?
I'm right at that dangerous point (~80 hours) where my experience hasn't
caught up with how good I think I am, so go forth and save me. :)
> As an assist ..when are you the most heavy? Lowest? Are you still in
> the "GO" mode and ready to find yourself behind the events and the
> aircraft?
Well, my weight doesn't change unless I drop something out the window.
"Lowest" is why I chose takeoff and landing. And as for the last, I always
take a moment before the "go" signal to think and make sure I'm ready to
go. After that, I just have to be ready for what comes, since the plane
isn't going to wait for me to get ready.
--
Mike Ash
Radio Free Earth
Broadcasting from our climate-controlled studios deep inside the Moon
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