Cessna 172R, Operating Handbook

Page: 87 / 500

CESSNA
MODEL
172R
SECTION 3
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
3. Check
accuracy
of the turn by observing the
compass
heading which should
be
the reciprocal
of the
original
heading.
4. If
necessary, adjust heading primarily
with skidding motions
rather than rolling motions
so
that the compass will read more
accurately.
5.
Maintain
altitude and airspeed by cautious application of
elevator control. Avoid over controlling by keeping
the
hands
off the control wheel as much as possible and steering only
with rudder.
EMERGENCY DESCENT THROUGH CLOUDS
If conditions
prevent return to
VFR flight using a 180°
turn,
a|
descent
through
a
cloud deck
to
VFR conditions may be
appropriate. If possible,
obtain radio clearance for an emergency
descent
through clouds. To guard against a spiral dive, choose an
easterly
or
westerly heading
to
minimize compass card swings due
to changing bank angles. In addition, keep hands
off
the
control
wheel and
steer
a
straight
course with
rudder
control by
monitoring
the
turn coordinator. Occasionally check the compass heading and
make minor corrections
to
hold an approximate
course. Before
descending into the clouds, set up a
stabilized letdown condition as
follows:
1
.
Apply full rich mixture.
2.
Reduce power
to set
up a 500 to 800 ft/min rate
of descent.
3. Adjust
the elevator
trim for a stabilized descent
at 70-80
KIAS.
4. Keep hands off the
control wheel.
5. Monitor
turn
coordinator
and make corrections by rudder
alone.
6. Check
trend of
compass card
movement
and make
cautious
corrections with rudder
to stop the turn.
7. Upon breaking
out
of clouds,
resume
normal
cruising flight.
Revision 7
3-17