Steve Brown
Well Known Member
That's my turn rule as well
I don't make turns until 500 agl. I believe I can make the turn back to runway heading at this altitude, but this is something I need to try.
I did some glide testing recently and from 500', assuming I can nail 75KIAS, I've got 42 seconds and almost a mile. Obviously the turn is going to eat into that, but my gut is that I've got enough room.
One thing I am concerned about in my airplane, is not overshooting the runway on turnback. My home airport is relatively short, often with healthy wind, and my airplane glides like crazy.
Up till now I have assumed that I will land straight ahead or with minimal turn. Depending on specifics, that may not be the best answer.
This thread is very thought provoking.
I can still hear my instructor's voice sitting beside me in a C172 - "If you don't have 500 AGL, do not turn back". I still use that to this day. I also wait until I am 500 AGL before turning crosswind........
I don't make turns until 500 agl. I believe I can make the turn back to runway heading at this altitude, but this is something I need to try.
I did some glide testing recently and from 500', assuming I can nail 75KIAS, I've got 42 seconds and almost a mile. Obviously the turn is going to eat into that, but my gut is that I've got enough room.
One thing I am concerned about in my airplane, is not overshooting the runway on turnback. My home airport is relatively short, often with healthy wind, and my airplane glides like crazy.
Up till now I have assumed that I will land straight ahead or with minimal turn. Depending on specifics, that may not be the best answer.
This thread is very thought provoking.