PART IV-EMERGENCY HANDLING
91. Ditching
(a) Model tests indicate that except in calm sea and air
conditions the pilot should bale out rather than attempt
ditching.
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A.L.1 91A. Landing with an undercarriage unit not locked down
Page 79 NOTE:-Experience has shown that these techniques cause minimum
damage to the aircraft and none to the pilot.
(a) Both main wheels only locked down
(i) Use up as much fuel as is safe in order to move the C. of G. as
far aft as possible. Unless circumstances dictate otherwise land
on a runway.
(ii) Check harness tight and locked.
(iii) Select hood open when crossing the threshold.
(iv) Make a powered approach at the normal speed; on touch-down
turn the H.P. cock off and maintain a moderate nose-up attitude.
(v) Trim the tailplane to give full nose-up trim and as the speed falls
below 100 knots maintain a high nose-up attitude without
actually touching the tail cone on the ground.
(vi) When the nose drops on to the runway at approximately 80 knots
use the brakes gently to keep straight.
(b) Nosewheel and one main wheel locked down
If all attempts to lower the undercarriage satisfactorily fail and only
the nosewheel and one main wheel come down, make a normal
approach and landing; on touchdown turn the H.P. cock off and
hold the wings level for as long as possible by use of the ailerons.
When aileron is applied and when the wing finally drops, the aircraft
will swing in the direction of the unlocked wheel; this should be
counteracted as much as possible by opposite brake. Experience has
shown that the distance from the landing path to the point of rest
averages approximately 250 yards, varying from 100 yards (min.) to
400 yards (max.). A runway should be chosen which has an area about
400 yards wide available in the direction of the anticipated swing.
(c) Belly landing
If it is necessary to land with the undercarriage retracted, make a
normal approach and fly the aircraft gently on to the runway at the
normal speed.
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