Backcountry Pilot • Gust/Throttle Management

Gust/Throttle Management

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Gust/Throttle Management

The tactical situation is always fluid. Many use less flap, extra speed, dumping flaps, and various means to mitigate gust spread problems.

I see either headwind or crosswind as a tremendous advantage, on a very short field, because either will reduce ground speed while leaving plenty of pressure airspeed against the wing for lift. Moving the throttle amply and quickly will allow us to maintain the desired glide angle by mitigating mushing and ballooning.

I have found using and teaching full flaps and adequate throttle movement to be easier and more efficient than trying to increase airspeed enough to mitigate gust spread problems without eliminating the advantage of the headwind component.

I understand the flap dumping for contest purpose and for braking larger airplanes. For short field approach with light airplanes in any wind condition, I recommend full flaps, the apparent brisk walk rate of closure or some slow power/pitch approach, and whatever throttle usage necessary to mitigate gust spread problems. I can't fathom rejecting free, God given, headwind component energy.
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