Precautionary Landing Pattern (PLP)

The prime objective of the precautionary landing pattern (PLP) is to get the aircraft on the runway on the first attempt. Basic consideration when executing a PLP are: Do not descend below minimum safe ejection altitude until required for approach and landing; fly as near the normal 2-3 degree approach to landing as possible; eject whenever the situation begins to deteriorate to a point where the desired safe approach cannot be made. The PLP is designed to keep the pilot in a safe ejection envelope while providing checkpoints with required energy states to land on the runway.

The PLP will be slightly larger than the normal landing pattern and can be entered on downwind, base or final approach.

ppl

Step Explanation
1. External Load - JETTISION.
2. Engine Master and Generator Switches - OFF.
3. Fuel System Shutoff - OFF.
4. Emergency Hydraulic Pump Lever (RAT) - ON.
5. Shoulder Harness - LOCK.
6. Gear - DOWN.
7. Airspeed - 220 KIAS. Hold a constant speed of 220 KIAS in the pattern until on final. Fly a pattern. Varying flight path to make key points. Aim for one third point of runway.

Warning

Avoid excess use of controls. Especially ailerons, as airplane control is marginal because of reduced hydraulic flow.

  1. Airspeed - 200 KIAS. Hold pattern speed through final turn, playing the turn "long" or "short", for accurate touchdown. Reduce airspeed to 200 KIAS when straight in on final and maintain into flare.

  2. Flaps - AS REQUIRED.

    Caution

    With a dead engine, speed brake is inoperative and use should not be attempted.

  3. Drag Chute - DEPLOY.

  4. Nose Wheel Steering - ENGAGE.

    Warning

    Nose wheel steering is unreliable because of low output of hydraulic pump at low windmill RPM during landing roll.

  5. Battery Switch - OFF.

Because of the many variables, pilot evaluation of the factors and judgment will determine pattern and entry point requirements, However, there are some general procedures which are applicable: When on the final approach glide path:

  1. The landing gear should be down, the flaps down, and the RAT extended (if applicable).
  2. A normal glide path of 2-3 degrees should be flown, maintaining recommended computed final approach speed and avoiding excessive rate of descent.
  3. Power should be used as necessary to transition to a normal flared landing.