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IMPORTANCE
OF SPEED DURING TAKEOFF TURNBACK PROCEDURES Proper speed
is essential when flying takeoff turnback procedures. Lower speeds
decrease the climb capability and thereby reduce terrain clearance.
Higher speeds increase the turn radius and bring the airplane closer
to valley walls. The pilots
had the option of overbanking to stick-shaker speed or the initial
buffet speed to achieve a smaller turn radius. They also could have
combined pitch and roll to trade speed for altitude and reduced
turn radius. Although these maneuvers are non-normal and were beyond
the scope of this study, the pilots discussed their potential use
to avoid terrain in an emergency or in high, unexpected cross-canyon
wind conditions. Optimal performance was achieved during the takeoffs from Paro by accelerating the airplane to a speed that was 10 kias faster than the minimum safety takeoff speed (10 kias of improved climb). This allowed for 30 deg of bank angle and provided the climb gradient necessary to initiate the turnback. |
