Peter's Flight Log

This flight contained a variety of exercises:

• Stalling using the stall stick position.
• Effects of skid or slip.
• Landing with stall stick position.

Checklists and terms used in this flight

HASELL

The HASELL checklist is used to ensure safety before performing maneuvers, particularly stalls or spins. The acronym stands for:

1. Height
   • Ensure you have sufficient altitude to recover safely from the maneuver. A general rule is to have at least 3000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level).
2. Airframe
   • Verify the aircraft's configuration is appropriate for the maneuver. This includes checking the flaps, gear, and any other relevant systems.
3. Security
   • Ensure all loose items in the cockpit are secure, and both the pilot and passengers are properly strapped in.
4. Engine
   • Check the engine parameters (oil pressure, temperature, RPM) are within the normal operating range. This also includes ensuring fuel is sufficient for the maneuver and return to the airfield.
5. Location
   • Confirm the aircraft is in a suitable location to perform the maneuver. This means being away from populated areas, controlled airspace, or restricted zones.
6. Lookout
   • Perform a thorough visual scan to ensure the area is clear of other traffic. This involves performing clearing turns to check for other aircraft in the vicinity.

The "stall stick position" refers to the position of the control stick or yoke in an aircraft when it reaches an aerodynamic stall. An aerodynamic stall occurs when the angle of attack (the angle between the chord line of the wing and the oncoming air) exceeds the critical angle, resulting in a significant loss of lift.

Key Concepts:

1. Angle of Attack and Stalls:

   • When the angle of attack increases beyond the critical angle, the airflow over the wing becomes turbulent and separates from the surface, causing a loss of lift and an aerodynamic stall.

2. Control Stick/Yoke Position:

   • The position of the control stick or yoke during a stall is often referred to as the "stall stick position." This position typically involves the control stick or yoke being pulled back significantly, indicating that the pilot is commanding a high angle of attack.

3. Recognition and Recovery:

   • Recognizing the stall stick position is crucial for stall recovery. During a stall, the control stick or yoke is usually in a rearward position. To recover from the stall, the pilot must push the control stick or yoke forward to reduce the angle of attack, allowing the airflow to reattach to the wing and lift to be restored.

Practical Implications:

• Training:

  • Pilots are trained to recognize the stall stick position during stall training exercises. Understanding this position helps pilots quickly identify when a stall is occurring and take appropriate recovery actions.

• Safety:

  • Awareness of the stall stick position enhances flight safety by enabling pilots to avoid unintentional stalls, especially during critical phases of flight such as takeoff, landing, and maneuvering.

Skid and slip

In aviation, "skid" and "slip" refer to types of uncoordinated flight during a turn. Both conditions occur when the aircraft is not balanced correctly around its vertical axis (yaw), leading to inefficient and potentially unsafe flight. Here's a detailed explanation of each:

Skid

• Definition: A skid occurs when the aircraft's tail is pushed too far to the outside of a turn. This typically happens when the pilot applies too much rudder in the direction of the turn.
• Indicators:
  • The ball in the turn coordinator or turn-and-slip indicator moves to the outside of the turn.
  • The nose of the aircraft points too far into the turn, resulting in a turn that is tighter than intended.
• Effects:
  • Increased risk of entering a spin, particularly at low speeds and high angles of attack.
  • Higher drag, which reduces efficiency and increases fuel consumption.
• Correction:
  • Reduce the amount of rudder being applied.
  • Ensure coordinated use of aileron and rudder to balance the turn.

Slip

• Definition: A slip occurs when the aircraft's tail is pushed to the inside of a turn. This usually happens when there is insufficient rudder input in the direction of the turn or excessive rudder input in the opposite direction.
• Indicators:
  • The ball in the turn coordinator or turn-and-slip indicator moves to the inside of the turn.
  • The nose of the aircraft points away from the turn, resulting in a shallower turn than intended.
• Effects:
  • Reduced lift and increased descent rate, which can be useful in certain situations like descending without gaining airspeed.
  • Lower drag compared to a skid, but still indicates inefficient flight.
• Correction:
  • Increase the amount of rudder being applied in the direction of the turn.
  • Ensure coordinated use of aileron and rudder to balance the turn.

Coordinated Flight

• Goal: Achieve coordinated flight where the aircraft turns efficiently with minimal side-slip or skid. In coordinated flight:
  • The ball in the turn coordinator or turn-and-slip indicator remains centered.
  • The aircraft turns smoothly with balanced forces, maintaining proper lift and minimizing drag.

Practical Applications

1. Coordinated Turns:

   • Use the rudder to maintain coordinated flight during turns. Apply enough rudder to keep the ball centered, ensuring the aircraft is not skidding or slipping.

2. Slips for Descent:

   • Slips can be intentionally used to increase descent rate without increasing airspeed. This is useful in scenarios like short-field landings where a steep approach is needed.

3. Training:

   • Pilots practice recognizing and correcting skids and slips during flight training to ensure they can maintain coordinated flight and handle various flight conditions safely.