Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

The helicopter turned left to return to the airport, travelling at about 85 knots. The indicated airspeed had fallen below 65 knots and was still decreasing. The helicopter was at treetop height with an indicated airspeed of zero knots when the right yaw ceased. He asked a mechanic to come and verify the mast nut torque.

Torque 87

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 87

Fear of Landing

JUNE 28, 2024

The flight plan referenced the current weather, specifically noting a westerly wind at 15 knots at 5,000 feet above mean sea level, with gusts up to 25 knots at higher altitudes. Reducing the lift and decreasing the torque effect helped to stabilize the helicopter. The pair took off from Gruyère Aérodrome at 14:00.

Rudder 106

Rudder Tail Lift Knot 106

Fear of Landing

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

The flight crew adjusted the icing bug to 165 knots. The temperature at their cruising altitude was around -9° with westerly winds at 46 knots. The ATR’s airspeed was 191 knots. The ATR’s airspeed was 184 knots. The aircraft’s airspeed had decayed to 169 knots.

Knot 89

Knot Approach Descent Weather 89

Vintage Aviation News

JULY 22, 2024

This device was designed to counteract the torque of the XT40. While the XF-84H did demonstrate incredible acceleration, it was plagued with problems. Beaird flew eleven of those flights with all but one ending with some type of in-flight emergency.

Torque 98

Torque Cockpit Jet Knot 98

Vintage Aviation News

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

In a T-6, I don’t care what you do, realistically, normal conditions, you might get 140 knots. That P-64 will cruise around all day at 180, 190 knots. I was prepared for the torque because people told me about it, but I was pushing as hard as I could to keep it straight. It’s a rocket. It was that fast.”

Pilot 105

Pilot Airplanes Runway Cockpit 105

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

“We routinely taxi at 1200 rpm due to the low spray…[we] can cruise at 10 knots” in displacement mode, something a Goose can’t do. Another advantage of the counter-rotating props is the elimination of torque roll. This is the tendency to dig in the left tip float during takeoff while countering engine torque.

Airplanes 69

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 69