On Oct 24, 7:09 am, wrote:
Great summary Tim !

I agree.

A quick response to the above choices would be based on how much too
high I was. And Tim's list is pretty much in the correct order:

1. Slip
2. "S" turns
The first one likely being an overshoot of the turn to final, then a
120-180 back toward the runway, repeat if necessary, then line up on
the runway.

3. Dive until intercepting normal angle for spoilers
4. Dive until near the ground, then decelerate
Not sure if I like this one... I think #3 is the proper way to do
it. Though, if one is REALLY high, then the proper angle for 'normal'
final would be pretty close to the ground. I would be in this
situation if there are strong winds and chance of downbursts (been
there, done that). Turn final way high expecting the 40+ headwind to
be there (perhaps downburst since the storm is nearby), but instead
the wind quits! In my ASW-20B, I just did a full flap, full spoiler
slip with the nose way below the horizon, so it really was a diving
slip - remember I was WAAAY high. Ended up stopping at my intended
spot even though there was a slight 2-3 knot tailwind.

5. Slow down until intercepting normal angle for spoilers
Perhaps

6. 360 degree turn
Actually, I doubt one would be on final when this decision is made, so
perhaps a 270 degree turn from base to final. But only if the weather
is considered to be benign. I watched an ASW-22BL do this at a fairly
low altitude while going into a fairly short field on a relatively
calm day and it made sense. Due to the ship's low sink rate, the
pilot was able to drop perhaps 100' and also end up slightly farther
away from the touchdown spot.

-Tom