Great Lakes 3617L Biplane

Soo....Chris Archer and I tried the engine failure situation. Point One: We used 800ft MSL as the engine failure point. We used a 65-70 degree AOB at 85kts. The trajectory was way north in the grass between 28R and RWY 23. We figure at winds 240/10 knots, you need to turn at 80 degrees AOB quickly to make it to the runway...practice it! enlightening

Now is an amazing time to polish and perfect your Great Lakes landings! Unlimited short approaches and early crosswind turns with an appreciative controller. Things to focus for a REALLY GREAT LANDING. 1. Short approach and flare; Look through the fuselage at infinity down the runway. Get great at it! Slowly decelerate to that 3 point attitude and roll it on. 'Roll it on' is a phrase I say in my mind as I practice.... 2. Split the difference of runway on both sides of the fuselage for centerline. Peripheral vision is a super powerful way to judge center of runway (lateral) and (vertical) rate of touchdown. 3. If no one is in the pattern, ask to turn the plane around and land 10R/L for a simulated engine out! See how the Great Lakes performs. I recommend a 60 degree turn/80 mph, watch the tailwind.

One of the most unique flights to try in the Great Lakes is SD bay tour. Doing it right is super important because we want to keep the controllers happy and not have them decide to take it away from General Aviation. Check out this blog to find out the tips and tricks of the Bay Tour, which is referred as The Taxiway Delta Transition and Channel Transition. Tower does not like it when we refer to it as the Bay Tour, click on the link to find out more. https://bit.ly/SDbaytour

You fly the biplane tail dragger (winds and basic control of aircraft) from the moment you un-chock un-chain them until you put them back on. A tail dragger is light, a little unstable and likes to roll on you.

17L is a wonderful plane to share San Diego with your friends and family. Easy to fly? Sure, takes a little 'learning' but it is worth the work.