S
AFETY
I
NFORMATION
R
EVISION
:
-
D
ATE
:
12/29/04
P
AGE
:
17
Copyright
2004 Glasair Aviation, LLC Arlington, Washington All rights reserved
when the pilot’s work load is increased by such factors as turbulence or
equipment failure.
Even if you’re instrument-rated, when you encounter instrument flight
conditions either intentionally or unintentionally, you should ask
yourself whether or not you are sufficiently alert and proficient in the
airplane to fly under low-visibility conditions and in the turbulence
anticipated or encountered. If any doubt exists, proceed to an area
where visual flight conditions exist or discontinue the flight as soon as
possible.
The result of vertigo is loss of control of the airplane. If the loss of
control is sustained, it will result in an excessive speed accident.
Excessive speed accidents occur in one of two manners: either as an
in-flight airframe failure or as a high-speed ground impact. All pilots are
susceptible to this form of accident.
Descent
In piston-powered airplanes, it is necessary to avoid prolonged
descents with low power as this produces two problems:
1. Excessively cool cylinder head temperatures which cause
premature engine wear, and
2. Excessively rich mixtures due to idle enrichment (and altitude)
which cause soot and lead deposits on the spark plugs (fouling).
The second of these is the more serious consideration; the engine may
not respond to the throttle when it is desired to discontinue the
descent.