User manual GAMES PC X2-THE THREAT

[. . . ] Another set of cables runs from the water rudders to a The Cessna Caravan Amphibian on approach to a runway. handle in the cockpit that retracts and extends the water rudders (they should always be "up" for takeoff and landing). Using the water rudders, you can steer the floatplane on the water quite effectively. Amphibians such as the Cessna Caravan also have retractable wheels -- two on each float. The bow wheels fold up, and the wheels just behind the step recess into the floats. [. . . ] The technique used to accomplish this is called the "step taxi": 1. Slowly release the back pressure so that the yoke is in a neutral position. The floats will settle down on top of the water and "plane" on the back part of the floats, called the "step. " During step taxiing, the air rudder can be used to make a "step turn. " Be careful when making step turns, however-- centrifugal force acts towards the outside of the turn and increases with speed. During a turn from upwind (into the wind) to downwind (away from the wind), the force of the wind mostly cancels out the centrifugal force. During a turn from downwind to upwind, both the wind and centrifugal force act in the same direction, making the aircraft unstable. The The plowing taxi. The step taxi The step taxi is used to taxi at even greater speeds than the displacement taxi or plowing taxi allow. As the floats move through the water in a displacement or plowing taxi, hydrodynamic (relating to the mechanical properties of liquids) drag is created from the friction between the floats and the water. The faster you taxi, the more drag there is, and if a fast displacement or plowing taxi is maintained for a long time, the engine may overheat. The solution to taxiing Floatplane Handbook | 9 MOVING ON WATER downwind float could get buried underwater, and the aircraft could "trip" over itself and capsize. Therefore, in windy conditions, never make a step turn from downwind to upwind. Use a slow displacement taxi instead. Sailing In strong wind conditions, if you need to move in any direction other than into the wind, you can "sail. " Let the floatplane weathercock into the wind, then--with the engine at idle--let the wind blow you backwards. This nose-up part of the takeoff roll is called the "hump phase" because the floatplane looks like it's climbing over a hump. As the floatplane speeds up, the hydrodynamic pressure on the floats builds, more of the floats lift out of the water, and the center of hydrodynamic support moves farther aft toward the step. The left-turning tendency is greatest during this hump The hump phase. Release the back pressure As the floatplane reaches its maximum nose-high attitude and more of its weight is supported by the hydrodynamic pressure on the floats, relax the back pressure on the yoke to return it to a neutral position. The floatplane pitches forward and begins to plane across the surface of Floatplane Handbook | 13 TAKING OFF the water on the step. To learn more, see the Air Traffic Control Handbook. Inspect the destination Before you land, fly over your destination to create a mental map of where things are--it's much harder to see things once you're on the water. Remember: A floatplane has no brakes (although the Caravan Amphibian has a reversible propeller), so take as much time as you need to plan your approach and taxi from Floatplane Handbook | 15 LANDING the air. Make sure the body of water is big enough for both landings and takeoffs (for the Caravan Amphibian, you'll need at least 1, 045 feet for landing and 1, 920 feet for taking off). There's nothing worse than having your brand-new floatplane trapped on a majestic mountain lake forever. Also, be sure to check the water conditions and look for boats, buoys, trees, power lines, and other potential obstacles. Choose a landing lane At some seaplane bases, there are designated landing lanes, but in general, you choose your own. Touch down so that you'll come to a stop close to your destination. With practice, you'll learn how much distance your floatplane needs to stop and how to judge that distance from the air. Choose a landing lane. In Flight Simulator 2002, landing a floatplane is easier in Virtual Cockpit view (because you can see the water to the left of the instrument panel). [. . . ] Expect the nose to pitch down on impact due to the sudden drag, so pull the yoke all the way back as soon as you touch down. In the event you can't find a good, flat landing area, make the best approach you can, keep flying the airplane, and try to touch down in a flat attitude--the floats and struts will absorb much of the impact. It won't be pretty, but you'll probably walk away unscathed. Landing on the water Landing on the water without engine power isn't too hard, especially if the landing lane is long. Just trim the floatplane for a maximum glide (depends on aircraft weight--see the Reference tab of the Kneeboard), and make a normal power-off landing, preferably into the wind. Landing on land In an amphibian, if you're sure you can reach a runway, then by all means use the wheels! [. . . ]