Airplane Rudders! Learn to feel coordination in the airplane and avoid stall spin flying accidents

Introduction

In this blog post, we will explore a method to feel coordination in an airplane without relying on visual cues such as the ball or the slab. We will learn how to fly in a coordinated way using old-fashioned seat-of-your-pants flying techniques. Being able to fly in a coordinated manner is important for both safety and efficiency. By mastering this skill, you can become a safer, smoother, and more efficient pilot.

Why is Coordination Important?

Before we dive into the technique, let's understand why coordination is important. When an airplane is coordinated, both wings experience the same amount of oncoming wind and airflow. This is crucial for safety, as an uncoordinated wing can stall first during slow flight or an inadvertent stall. Stall-spin accidents can occur if the airplane is uncoordinated during critical phases of flight. Additionally, flying in a coordinated manner is essential for efficiency. When the airplane is uncoordinated, the side of the fuselage is exposed to the oncoming wind, resulting in increased drag and reduced speed. Lastly, flying with coordination is also important for passenger comfort. Proper use of rudders ensures that the flight is smooth and gentle for everyone on board.

The Seat-of-Your-Pants Technique

Now, let's learn how to feel coordination without relying on visual cues. For this technique, we will be using a Cessna or a Piper, or any modern airplane that allows us to demonstrate coordination easily. First, slow down the airplane to a lower speed. This will make it easier to feel the effects of coordination. Next, use large aileron inputs to bank the airplane. Remember, the slower you are flying, the larger the aileron deflection required. Now, imagine there are hands under your seat, with the right hand on your right side and the left hand on your left side. Roll the airplane to the right and notice the pressure on your right side. Roll the airplane to the left and feel the pressure on your left side. This pressure is an indication of the coordination required for the roll.

Feeling the Pressure

When you roll the airplane, whether to the right or left, the pressure on your seat comes just a second or two after the roll. Pay close attention to this feeling. It is essential to be able to recognize the pressure and understand what you need to do to fix it. The sooner you can feel this pressure, the quicker you can take corrective action. Remember, this is all about developing your seat-of-your-pants flying skills.

Add Rudder to Correct

Once you have felt the pressure, it's time to take corrective action. Bring your feet up onto the pedals, with the balls of your feet on the bottom of the pedals. This position allows you to push with the flow of your ankle, making it easier to apply rudder input. Now, use the same fast roll rates at the slow speed, but this time, try to fix the coordination by adding rudder input. Experiment with different amounts of rudder and observe the changes in pressure. Too much rudder will result in pressure on the opposite side, so finding the right balance is crucial.

Practicing the Coordination Exercise

Next time you go flying, try this coordination exercise. Start by slowing down the airplane and using large aileron inputs to feel the pressure on your seat. Once you have felt the pressure, bring your feet onto the pedals and add rudder to correct the coordination. Remember, the slower you are flying, the more adverse aileron yaw you will experience, requiring more rudder input. By practicing this exercise, you will develop your seat-of-your-pants flying skills and become more proficient in maintaining coordination.

The Importance of Coordination

Coordination is a skill that all pilots struggle with, and it is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents. By mastering coordination, you can significantly reduce the risk of loss of control accidents. It is important to remember that coordination is not just about adding right rudder when applying power or using the Lindbergh reference in slow flight or climbs. It is also about understanding how much rudder is required when rolling into or out of a bank. By practicing the coordination exercise described in this blog post, you will gain a better understanding of coordination and become a safer and more skilled pilot.

Conclusion

Flying in a coordinated way is essential for both safety and efficiency. By relying on seat-of-your-pants flying techniques, you can develop a better feel for coordination without looking at the ball or any other visual cues. Remember to slow down the airplane, use large aileron inputs, and pay attention to the pressure on your seat. Practice adding rudder to correct the coordination and experiment with different amounts of rudder input. By mastering this skill, you will become a safer and more proficient pilot. Fly coordinated, fly safe!