Originally Posted by
USMCFLYR
AV8OR -
I've heard many people mention CA Sullenberger's glider experience but I wonder how much it really might have helped. . . . . - I could see a glider pilot trying to apply his glider sight picture to an aircraft not capable of such performance and making a serious error in judgment. USMCFLYR
Most glider pilots have flown trainers that have the L/D ratio of a streamlined brick then eventually fly 34/1 (and above) glass slippers that keep you airborne hours. Each of these has a "different sight picture" (especially in the pattern)and you adjust accordingly.
The "pattern sight picture" does not change just because the airframe is heavier. Things just happen faster.
Consider the following: Two aircraft are exactly alike (aerodynamically), are flying side by side at the same altitude, both loose total power at the same time and start flying L/D Max. One aircraft is significantly heavier then the other. Which one will glide the longest distance ?
You would be amazed how many pilots get it wrong.