Circuit one was a short field take off and landing. Remember that the short field takeoff in BAC has 10 degrees of flap and speed at 50ft is published as 54kts.

Circuit two was a low level right hand [circuit]. Please remember that legally we are not able to manoeuvre below 500ft and 500ft is our absolute minimum altitude we may fly above an unpopulated area.

Circuit three started as an instrument climb but as the cloud got lower and the climb bordered on real IMC the later flyers were only able to do a visual climb to a height as permitted by the cloud then the glide approach. The best glide speed in BAC is 68kts. This speed will give you the most time in the air to look for a field and manoeuvre down onto it.

I also threw in an engine failure after takeoff. Whilst there maybe some nicer looking areas to the left and right of the aircraft, I think it it best that you stick with the take off safety brief (which we all say to ourselves prior to every takeoff!) "If I have an engine failure after takeoff with no runway remaining I will lower the nose for airspeed, look for a field to land within 30 degrees either side of the nose, use flap as required and land. I will not turn back until AT LEAST 500ft." This is what I teach I realise that TOSB's can vary a little. The reason for this is that you will loose too much height in a turn. Even if the turn is complete you would still need to configure the aircraft for landing and prepare passengers etc all while losing height.

If you need convincing, next time you're out flying climb to a safe height in the training area, configure the aircraft as it would be after takeoff, (nose high low airspeed) then close the throttle, go through the EFATO drill and turn through more than 30/45 degrees. Note your height before you close the throttle and after the turn and remember that this has been a planned manoeuvre and the engine is still idling as opposed to a dead engine catching you by surprise.

I had a wonderful afternoon, and everyone's level of flying was great as usual.

This was also the last flying comp that I will be participating in for now. I will be leaving my Bathurst post at the end of month to pursue a flying opportunity in Canberra. I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everybody at Bathurst Aeroclub for making me feel so welcome and for letting me go flying with you! I will miss you all but hope to be around in a more social role in the future. If you're in the nation's capital please say G'day.

Happy Flying,
Best Wishes
Linna Stanton.
July 18, 2006