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	Coping with emergencies Rev. 3 — page content last changed January 20, 2007
Coping with emergencies

In the earlier years of Ultralight Aviation journeys were rather short, the engines used were not particularly reliable and forced landings were regarded as a normal event. Due to the low kinetic energy of most ultralight aircraft, such "dead-stick" landings were generally easy and safe and aircraft recovery and repair was not a problem. That situation still exists today with many of the minimum aircraft registered in the CAO95.10 category.

However the proliferation of heavier and faster aircraft travelling long distances equipped with engines of much greater reliability, has given rise to the situation where the perception of pilots and possibly instructors [in regard to the likelihood of a forced landing] has changed greatly, and indeed many pilots now have no practical experience of handling real forced landings – and the aircraft they fly are inherently more difficult to put down in a small clearing. The nosewheel with which many are now equipped adds to the problems once the aircraft has touched down in rough or soft conditions.

This Guide outlines the knowledge needed to prepare for an engine-out emergency landing on a difficult site and to deal with the aftermath.       ... JB.

Contents:

1. Knowing the aircraft

• 1.1 The lift/drag ratio
• 1.2 The best glide and minimum descent airspeeds
• 1.3 The effect of a windmilling propeller
• 1.4 The practical glide ratio and terrain footprint
• 1.5 The height loss during manoeuvres
• 1.6 The height loss in a turn-back

2. Deceleration forces

• 2.1 Kinetic energy
• 2.2 Deceleration forces
• 2.3 Occupant safety
• 2.4 Rocket deployed aircraft emergency parachutes

3. Forced landing procedures

• 3.1 Maintaining preparedness
• 3.2 Engine failure after take-off or a go-around
• 3.3 Enroute emergency procedure

4. Overcoming aircraft control failures

5. Procedure when lost

6. Safety and emergency communication procedures

• 6.1 Communications when in difficulties
• 6.2 Distress beacons and AusSAR
• 6.3 Aircraft radar beacon transponders

7. Comfort and survival in a remote environment

• 7.1 Packing for travellin' light
• 7.2 Flyin' warm
• 7.3 Sleeping
• 7.4 Basic survival gear

8. Aviation distress beacons

9. Understanding SAR services

• 9.1 Aviation Search and Rescue
• 9.2 The SARTIME database
• 9.3 AusSAR Aviation Activity Levels
• 9.4 Informing the SAR System
• 9.5 Pilot pre-flight preparations

10. ERSA emergency and survival procedures [PDF file]

Other Manuals and Guides

| Flight Theory Guide | Flight Planning & Navigation Guide | Aviation Meteorology Guide |

| VHF Radiocommunication Guide | Learning to Fly Guide | Builder's Guide to Aircraft Materials |

| Operations Manual | Technical Manual |

Copyright © 2004 — 2007 John Brandon     [contact information]