Control layout issues in Taifun 17E and 17EII

Abstract:    What percentage of your Taifun landings are done as a glider?

Subject: Control layout issues in Taifun 17E and 17EII
From: "cloudsipper" amelendy@yahoo.com
Date: 5/22/08 7:40 AM
To: Taifun17E@yahoogroups.com

Here's an article describing an accident ostensibly by a Taifun Type2, (it's page 8 of the report.) the comments suggest the airbrake on the left, not on the right. Any comments?
I have a type II and the airbrake lever is on the center console. (right hand) What percentage of your Taifun landings are done as a glider?

Subject: RE: [Taifun17E] Control layout issues in Taifun 17E and 17EII
From: Dave Piercy drpiercy@yahoo.com
Date: 5/22/08 7:54 AM
To: <taifun17e@yahoogroups.com>

When established on final approach, I make the decision, "engine not needed any more".

At that point I make sure the engine is on minimum throttle, then change hands, moving the right hand from throttle to stick, the left from stick to airbrake. Hands stay that way till I'm down.

In case of a go around, everything gets VERY busy: change hands again, apply power, gain speed, then do whatever is safe or necessary with the flaps.

At the moment of changing hands for a go around, its very easy to think the airbrakes are closed: I had one occasion when they were not!

I'm pleased to say the Taifun (17E) had a good rate of climb even with airbrakes out (87hp engine). I was alerted by radio to the fact that the brakes were out, then changed hands again, closed them, changed hands again.

By the way, all my approaches are like this, effectively glide once on final, no reason to do it any other way. I fly into a 400m grass strip with, relatively good approaches.

Dave

Subject: Re: [Taifun17E] Control layout issues in Taifun 17E and 17EII
From: Bob Gurr gurrini@yahoo.com
Date: 5/22/08 8:23 AM
To: Taifun17E@yahoogroups.com

Appears that the pilot did not close the spoilers completely, after probably using the spoiler handle during pre-takeoff braking during taxi. The spoiler handle has a "snap" locking feel when pushed completely down. In (21) years of flying my Taifun 17E, I have always pressed down on the spoiler handle several times in quick succession to verify locking as I start the takeoff run. After using the right hand for throttle, I use the right hand to fly while the left is available in case the spoilers unlock during take off. The spoilers have never unlocked unintentionally.

Bob Gurr N11VR