Pilots think differently than physicists. Physicists approach flying the way they do other studies of mechanical motion, with an understanding of mass, speed, force, work, and energy. Values and relationships accumulated over the years describe the interaction of bodies in motion, in a way that allows scientists and engineers to make predictions about their behavior. Yay, science!
Pilots inside cockpits moving through space are more often concerned with the task of flying, what action of the controls causes the aircraft to climb, descend, turn, or remain straight and level. Our perspective is often focused on our little picture, on the stuff we touch inside the cabin. But much can be gained from taking the big picture look at flying, and especially approach to landing, from the perspective of an energy scientist. This is the Energy Management approach to landing.
In this presentation, SCFC Chief Pilot, Dan Dyer brings us a big picture overview of how energy is created, consumed, used, and transferred in aviation. How can an understanding of chemical, kinetic, and potential energy inform our skills as pilots? Which flight control most easily transfers energy back and forth between potential and kinetic? Where does the energy go?
A good pilot is always learning. Join us if you want to improve your landings by coming at it from an entirely different angle.
Dan Dyer is a flight instructor and Chief Pilot of San Carlos Flight Center. He has been instructing for 15 years, has over 4,000 flight hours, and is the Bay Area's local expert in crosswind landing instruction. He is known for finding simple and innovative ways to explain complex topics and regularly speaks on advanced ground school topics. Find out more about Dan at www.sancarlosflight.com or contact him at dan@sancarlosflight.com
