Originally Posted by
USMCFLYR
So.........you're going to land on a road.
Do you land WITH traffic or AGAINST traffic (let's assume it is light to light-moderate)? In the article posted above the video shows one successful emergency landing while flying with the flow of traffic. Who has opinions on this? Please share!
USMCFLYR
I did my ppl in socal so there are a lot of freeways. My instructor taught me to look for other options first as discussed in previous posts, but if the freeway is the only option, make the 'final' approach with flaps up (with the flow of traffic). In a 152/172 this allows you to glide closer to the speed of the flow of traffic, if it is light to moderate traffic. Then just 'merge' in (or down).
One thing I do, thanks to my instructor, is always look for a place to put the plane down if I have to. I do this from the moment I take off to the moment I land. It is akin to the 'what if game' which is a good habit to have whenever you are doing something that has inherent risk in it.
As simple as: Walking across the street, what if that car doesn't stop? what is my out/plan.
what if that driver slams the brakes/serves etc?...what is my out/plan
what if the oil pressure in my 152 goes to 0, and the engine takes a vacation? ...what is my out/plan.