On 17 Jan 2007 09:27:26 -0800, "Michael"
wrote:


In my opinion, there really isn't much difference (in a single engine
airplane) between taking off into 500 ft ceilings and 50 ft ceilings.
Either way, you don't have the altitude to do anything but land pretty
much straight ahead.

Depending on where you fly, I say there is a big difference.

In the Midwest, 500 ft offers a lot of options in selecting a landing
site. Sure, you aren't going to make the runway, but landing in any
open area is better than hitting a tree or a house.

50 ft is 99% luck. Pitch for lowest speed above stall, and pray
whatever is in front of you is soft. Hell, if you have really bad
luck, you might hit a tree while still in the clouds.

-Nathan