Not So Perfect

Power-off landing calculations off a bit, making that ‘Perfect Landing’ come up short

It would seem “The Perfect Landing” article [Stick & Rudder, June] contains less than perfect information.

The author emphasizes that the pilot “execute a 180-degree standard rate turn, roll out on final and land the airplane.” According the sidebar figures his airplane descends at 750 feet per minute, which would give you 80 seconds of flight time. A standard rate, 180 degree turn requires 60 seconds; so if you time 25 seconds outbound, you’d be on the ground five seconds before you roll out on final.

A closer look at the formula’s derivation reveals that it is predicated on turning 180 degrees in 30 seconds, or double the standard rate turn. There is obviously a disconnect here, bu...