Great Lakes 3617L Biplane

03/26/2020

Today, as discussed, we practiced
Engine Failures at 850ft. They don't work out! At 850ft we tried a super steep turn at about 65 AoB and we ended up at the north west corner of the field very low. Probably would have landed at a heading of 320 on the grass.

03/26/2020

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

03/25/2020

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.

03/11/2020

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.

The San Diego Bay Tour or Taxi Way Delta Transition maybe the finest air tour route in the world. Thank you Lindbergh Field! Doing it right and safely will preserve the route for generations to enjoy.

02/07/2020

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.

02/07/2020

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.

12/13/2019

Even if you don't ever solo this aircraft, you will learn skills and confidence applicable to almost every aircraft you may fly.

12/13/2019

One of the most exciting rental aircraft at Montgomery Field. Maintained like you would want your personal aircraft to be taken care of.

12/07/2019

Rogue Pilot Tori Peck greases landings at Montgomery Field. In my research, she is the first female Great Lakes pilot in San Diego! To