Overhead Approach

Overhead approach to RWY 1 at M54 as seen from a Maule cockpit.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• FILE0005

[mmichaeldonavon]

Enjoyed your video. Never could tell when your wheels touched down; extremely smooth (as was the entire approach). Question: I reviewed the video a couple of times and wondered if you purposely did not say which way the "break" was to occur. Is that because runway 1 is always a left hand pattern and, therefore, no need to call the break direction? I've never done that approach, but would like to try it. Thanks, N-6395T

[lowflybye]

@mmichaeldonavon - yes, the pattern for RWY 1 is Left traffic and the overhead follows the same pattern direction as the standard traffic pattern in most cases.

[lowflybye]

@mmichaeldonavon - If you want to try the overhead you should get some instruction with it from someone with experience before trying it on your own. It is an energy management manuever that involves steeper bank angles than most are accustom to doing at pattern altitudes and can result in a stall / spin scenario if coordinated flight is not maintained. Flying the plane must be second nature, feeling what it is telling you and keep your eyes outside of the cockpit with only brief glances inside.

[mmichaeldonavon]

Have been using your overhead approach technique, for awhile now - is an enjoyable flying maneuver. However, if there is someone in the pattern, I usually shy away from the maneuver and join "the company" on the downwind. Do have a question: I call in from 5 miles out, indicating I am "in bound for the initial", runway "X". I have, however, modified my first call by saying: "In bound for a 2 mile initial"; doesn't this give other inbound traffic a better "mental" picture? M-6395T