REFLECTOR: Overhead approaches (Geoff Gerhardt)

[Fred Anderka]

Great video except for the music.  At uncontrolled airports in Canada the overhead approach is the normal procedure used and is at circuit height as you cross the destination runway.  Straight in to the left (or right) downwind is the other procedure used.  The 45° entry is not commonly used although that is the normal circuit entry in the US.  See Transport Canada http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/publications/tp14371-rac-4-0-5385.htm#rac-4-5, section 4.5.2 explains the procedure.



At towered airports the controller may have you come in using any procedure depending on traffic.  Full circuit, left base, right base or straight in.



I agree with the various comments that you arrive in the pattern with plenty of kinetic energy that gives you a number of options should something nasty happen.  Although I usually do not approach the circuit environment at cruise speed, I like to see who else is in the pattern.



Fred

C-GHOL, XL-RG





Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:36:14 -0400

From: Geoff Gerhardt <geoff.gerhardt at gmail.com>

To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>

Subject: REFLECTOR: Overhead approaches



Guys,



I'm sure you guys have seen this video of a Cirrus doing an overhead approach.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFdH4zvO9Oo



Looks like a cool way to get into the pattern.  I can't tell you what a smile it puts on my face descend in at 160kts then pull up and drop speed to enter the pattern after so many years of crawling into the airport airspace in C172/PA28's.  I'd love to be able to do an overhead approach.

What got me thinking about them was this weekend, there was a warbird show on at our airport (KORH) and as I was approaching the airport, I heard one of them call the tower for a overhead approach and listened to him call his initial, break point then cleared to land - very cool.  Also, I like the idea of coming into the airport with all possible kinetic and potential energy at your disposal in case an engine issue.  Long, slow, level entries into airport airspace always make me nervous.



A couple questions for those more seasoned pilots on overhead approaches:

1) Is it considered douchey to do an OHA at a non-towered airport (assuming you properly announce)?

2) Can you only approach the airport on the runway heading, or can you come in from any angle, break and establish a high-bank turn until your able to enter the downwind?

3) Do any of you regularly use OHA's?

4) Do you usually come in at pattern altitude +500'?



Geoff
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