Flight Training - March 2012 - 16

PREFLIGHT»

Stopping the snake
A light foot is needed
Dear Rod: I’ve recently had a chance to fly two Light Sport airplanes, and both seem to have one thing in common. During the taxi, they tend to serpentine quite a bit. Am I just out of my mind or is there something I’m doing that’s causing this action on the taxiway? Randal Greetings Randal: No, I don’t think you’ve gone bonkers, but you will if you can’t stop your wiggly motion on the taxiway. Serpentining is almost always a result of an over-application of pressure on the airplane’s rudder pedals. The best way to prevent serpentining is to use the balls of your feet (instead of your mid-step or heels) to apply rudder pressure. This allows you to more precisely control your rudder inputs. The best way to stop serpentining motion once it’s begun is to apply a short pulse to the rudder pedal, opposite the direction of turn. This should stop the errant motion, while measured rudder inputs should prevent additional serpentining motion. Dear Rod: I have a really difficult student problem. This student has been through two other flight schools for an instrument rating, failing the practical exam at both. I am his third instructor and his check airman for his third stage check. It took him four attempts before I passed him (with reservations). I am trying to prepare him for his final stage check and practical. I have found many faults that I have pointed out to him, and given him tools and techniques to help him fly better. Under benign conditions he is relaxed and can fly a decent approach. But if there is a wind aloft, he gets rattled and is all over the sky. When I point out his mistakes, he always has a ready excuse. He is a poster boy for defense mechanisms. I have told him he will only succeed with a lot of practice, which he feels he doesn’t need (or want). I’ve also tried to convey the seriousness of what we’re doing, that this training is vital because flying in IMC is for keeps. I haven’t gotten to the point of telling him to give up. However, I don’t know what else I can do for him. Any suggestions? Ishmael

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Flight Training - March 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Flight Training - March 2012