Message-ID: <39E1CCFF.85D605BB@regandesigns.com>
Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000 08:49:51 -0500
From: Brent Regan <brent@regandesigns.com>
To: Lancair List <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: Re: stall speed
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Mime-Version: 1.0

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I screwed up in my post regarding stall speed and neglected to mention that
it is true airspeed that is affected and not indicated. TAS is important
when you are low and slow because IAS accuracy tends to diminish in landing
configuration and you are relying more on visual reference.

Just before the flare, your brain sees the ground rushing past, calculates a
ground speed and transmits that data to you ass where the "seat of the
pants" brain resides. This "seat of the pants" brain (AKA lower brain) is
easily fooled, but this doesn't stop it from voicing it's opinion (kind of
like mail groups). Left to it's own, the lower brain will take control of
the body and direct various muscles to contract. It is the task of the upper
(or higher) brain to evaluate the situation with logic and reason and
override the lower brain as required to maintain life.

IMHO, pilots have a highly developed higher brain, otherwise, instrument
flight would be impossible. Sports fans who paint their bodies various
colors and dance around half naked on national TV are examples of
individuals devoid of higher brain function.

All joking aside, it is important to remember that especially in an
airplane, your senses are easilly deceived. We are all familiar with optical
illusions but illusions are not limited to just visual. All senses can be
deceived and it is important to recognize which situations are like to
produce false perception. Low and slow at high altitude airports or with a
tail wind can prove disastrous if the pilot doesn't compensate.

I am not saying that Hal's hard landing was due to pilot error. It is
entirely reasonable that wind shear was the direct cause. I do believe it is
one of the functions of this list to cause reflection on what we can do to
be better pilots.

Regards
Brent Regan

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