Aircraft nearly brought down by Tesco Fuel

neilmcl

!!!!!! wrote: »

Microlights tend to be very good at gliding. Wouldn't the obvious option be to gain as much height as possible to give max possible chances if the engine fails completely?

Sounds like OP need to go back to the instructor and ask for extra classroom time on dealing with emergencies and pre-flight checks and the actions to take.

Do you fly yourself? Just curious as to what flight expertise do you have to make such a comment.

System

Enough to know that in a glideable aircraft then extra height gives you a lot more options if you are having engine problems.

warehouse

!!!!!! wrote: »

Enough to know that in a glideable aircraft then extra height gives you a lot more options if you are having engine problems.

...and how do you gain extra height when engine revs are just enough to keep you level?

neilmcl

!!!!!! wrote: »

Enough to know that in a glideable aircraft then extra height gives you a lot more options if you are having engine problems.

So none then.

Rolandtheroadie

Bill_Bodger wrote: »

Nurse it back, dodging from land-able field to land-able field and skirting any houses or similar, only just scrape into runway with 300' to spare, had to give a 'having difficulty' call and barge the circuit but fortunately instructor soon took his student out of the way.

I've no experience either, and this is just a shot in the dark, but would the safest option not have been to land on one of these land-able fields?

topdaddy_2

!!!!!! wrote: »

Microlights tend to be very good at gliding. Wouldn't the obvious option be to gain as much height as possible to give max possible chances if the engine fails completely?

Sounds like OP need to go back to the instructor and ask for extra classroom time on dealing with emergencies and pre-flight checks and the actions to take.

Seems the actions taken were fine.

System

neilmcl wrote: »

So none then.

And your qualification (or lack?). I suppose that you can give the benefit of your extensive flying knowledge and the reason why you discount what I say?

You really have 2 choices either be in a position to glide to a safe landing spot or more sensibly get down on the ground as soon as possible - not potter around hoping to get back to base.

topdaddy_2

!!!!!! wrote: »

And your qualification (or lack?). I suppose that you can give the benefit of your extensive flying knowledge and the reason why you discount what I say?

You really have 2 choices either be in a position to glide to a safe landing spot or more sensibly get down on the ground as soon as possible - not potter around hoping to get back to base.

Poor answer.
And I didnt see in the posts where anyone pottered.

System

Poor answer.
And I didnt see in the posts where anyone pottered.

Sorry, should have said 'dodging around' same as OP. And the difference it make? None, the OP was endangering himself and possibly people on the ground by continuing a flight when he should have landed ASAP

epninety

!!!!!! wrote: »

Enough to know that in a glideable aircraft then extra height gives you a lot more options if you are having engine problems.

http://devonandsomersetmc.co.uk/rough_guide.htm says "The two biggest differences between a microlight and a larger aircraft are that they possess much less inertia combined, usually, with a much draggier airframe. This means that particularly when decelerating, the microlight can change speed much more rapidly than light aircraft or gliders. Imagine the scene of an inexperienced pilot who suffers an engine failure in the circuit - the first reaction (before brain kicks in) may well be to maintain height… "