spiderweb
Final Approach
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2005
- Messages
- 9,488
- Display Name
Display name:
Ben
After last week's checkout, I went up for some practice in this fine, fine bird. The TB-20 is a fast ride--even faster than a Saratoga. There are some quirks, and I had to remind myself of them, but all in all I had a great time. I filed IFR to OKV from FDK because I wanted to get some cruise time. I had a bit of trouble with the AP, but once I got it, it worked great. For some reason, I couldn't figure if it had an alt preselect. That doesn't matter much--I really don't like that feature, because I always like to be very aware of when I reach a desired alt, and I always adjust power and mixture, at a minimum.
I couldn't believe how fast I got to altitude. Even at cruise climb at 4,000 going to 5,000, I was seeing 1200 fpm. Landing at OKV, I decided on trying TO flaps, since I only got one of those in during the checkout. Again, my initial impression was confirmed--landing with TO flaps is neither needed nor desired. The nose is way up, and it is really hard to lose speed. The touchdown was soft, but I had to work so hard to get it.
So I did another landing there, this time with full flaps. You get the nose pitched down for an excellent view of the runway. I bled power off slowly before and during the flare, and had a good touchdown.
Flew back to FDK, and entered the pattern for a mild crosswind landing on 23 (maybe 6 or 7 knots). This landing was such a beauty. I think I finally have the hang of this bird. I like the heavier controls which I feel aid in the landing (as well as instrument flight, or slow flight for that matter). I orginially had thought I would do 2 landings at FDK, but I know when to quit when I am ahead. What a nice ride!
BTW, the news is that FDK is working on getting a Saratoga. It is going to cost a lot to rent, though.
I couldn't believe how fast I got to altitude. Even at cruise climb at 4,000 going to 5,000, I was seeing 1200 fpm. Landing at OKV, I decided on trying TO flaps, since I only got one of those in during the checkout. Again, my initial impression was confirmed--landing with TO flaps is neither needed nor desired. The nose is way up, and it is really hard to lose speed. The touchdown was soft, but I had to work so hard to get it.
So I did another landing there, this time with full flaps. You get the nose pitched down for an excellent view of the runway. I bled power off slowly before and during the flare, and had a good touchdown.
Flew back to FDK, and entered the pattern for a mild crosswind landing on 23 (maybe 6 or 7 knots). This landing was such a beauty. I think I finally have the hang of this bird. I like the heavier controls which I feel aid in the landing (as well as instrument flight, or slow flight for that matter). I orginially had thought I would do 2 landings at FDK, but I know when to quit when I am ahead. What a nice ride!
BTW, the news is that FDK is working on getting a Saratoga. It is going to cost a lot to rent, though.