We all know that with its low stall speed, stall/spin resistance, slow
speed maneuverability, and generous performance reserve, the 260se is
one of the safest GA aircraft. My question to all of you is this: has
flying the 260se changed your decision-making in any way? Has it
"raised your minimums?" What do you feel more comfortable doing in the
260se than in your previous plane or in a stock 182?
For me, flying a safer plane with state-of-the-art avionics has
expanded my envelope significantly.
Am I more willing to challenge convective weather or potential icing
conditions? No, I'm still a confirmed wimp about this. But with
downloadable NEXRAD in 812KT I will sure give T-storms a wide berth
more easily than in the rentals I used to fly.
Am I more willing to fly medium-longish IFR flights in IMC? Yes. I have
a good picture of where I am at all times. The autopilot is a safety
backup and eases workload when things get busy. I do not fear a vacuum
failure much, as I have and use a rate-based autopilot with GPSS and
have learned from multiple practice sessions that using the turn
coordinator and GPS digital track reference makes "partial panel"
flying a non-event. On the other hand I am concerned about an
electrical failure and thus will have a 2nd alternator installed later
this year when it's certified. Finally, I know that if necessary I can
ride the plane down engine-out at 45-50 KIAS with only a 600-650 fpm
descent; as long as I land in a flat area with a bit of time for even a
partial flare, I will survive with minimal or no injury and minimal or
no damage to the plane.
Am I more willing to fly extended IFR over mountainous terrain? No.
Am I more willing to fly extended VFR over mountainous terrain? No, but I
am more willing to fly VFR over unpopulated/desolate terrain (not
mountainous), knowing I can radio a PRECISE position and put the plane
down very slowly in a very small area. Am I more willing to fly ACROSS
mountains (brief exposure to few-or-no-options terrain)? Yes--my
engine is new and I maintain my plane to high standards.
My crosswind minimums have increased 5-10 kt due to the 260se's
impeccable crosswind behavior.
Am I more tempted to do goofy things like low level maneuvering away
from an airport environment? No way.
I am definitely more comfortable flying with my family in the 260se
than in any other plane. So we use it more and our car less for
trips.
I think that a safer airplane SHOULD expand capabilities and the
"utility envelope" of one's flying. That's why some people buy twins
or turboprops or install TKS systems. It's just prudent to analyze which
part of your envelope has expanded and which has not.
speed maneuverability, and generous performance reserve, the 260se is
one of the safest GA aircraft. My question to all of you is this: has
flying the 260se changed your decision-making in any way? Has it
"raised your minimums?" What do you feel more comfortable doing in the
260se than in your previous plane or in a stock 182?
For me, flying a safer plane with state-of-the-art avionics has
expanded my envelope significantly.
Am I more willing to challenge convective weather or potential icing
conditions? No, I'm still a confirmed wimp about this. But with
downloadable NEXRAD in 812KT I will sure give T-storms a wide berth
more easily than in the rentals I used to fly.
Am I more willing to fly medium-longish IFR flights in IMC? Yes. I have
a good picture of where I am at all times. The autopilot is a safety
backup and eases workload when things get busy. I do not fear a vacuum
failure much, as I have and use a rate-based autopilot with GPSS and
have learned from multiple practice sessions that using the turn
coordinator and GPS digital track reference makes "partial panel"
flying a non-event. On the other hand I am concerned about an
electrical failure and thus will have a 2nd alternator installed later
this year when it's certified. Finally, I know that if necessary I can
ride the plane down engine-out at 45-50 KIAS with only a 600-650 fpm
descent; as long as I land in a flat area with a bit of time for even a
partial flare, I will survive with minimal or no injury and minimal or
no damage to the plane.
Am I more willing to fly extended IFR over mountainous terrain? No.
Am I more willing to fly extended VFR over mountainous terrain? No, but I
am more willing to fly VFR over unpopulated/desolate terrain (not
mountainous), knowing I can radio a PRECISE position and put the plane
down very slowly in a very small area. Am I more willing to fly ACROSS
mountains (brief exposure to few-or-no-options terrain)? Yes--my
engine is new and I maintain my plane to high standards.
My crosswind minimums have increased 5-10 kt due to the 260se's
impeccable crosswind behavior.
Am I more tempted to do goofy things like low level maneuvering away
from an airport environment? No way.
I am definitely more comfortable flying with my family in the 260se
than in any other plane. So we use it more and our car less for
trips.
I think that a safer airplane SHOULD expand capabilities and the
"utility envelope" of one's flying. That's why some people buy twins
or turboprops or install TKS systems. It's just prudent to analyze which
part of your envelope has expanded and which has not.
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