Swept Wing Landings — How to land jets using and understanding sink rate

Swept Wing Landings — How to land jets using and understanding sink rate

All successful swept-wing jet pilots “fly sink rate” on final as indicated by the nose-high approach, with the aircraft’s flight path pointing to the touchdown point on the runway.  With the continuing development of high-performance turbine engines and electric ducted fan power systems, flying RC jets has become extremely popular over the past several years.

2nd.DSC_4963Today, the true turbine power and high-output electric ducted fan power systems have made almost any-size jet project possible. Flying jets is almost foolproof, but there’s one thing that needs to be addressed: landing technique.

swept2When flying a swept-wing jet, a completely different landing approach and landing technique is required for a successful touchdown. The approach is characterized by a distinct nose-high attitude, with the nose above the horizon. The airplane flight path, however, is pointed downward toward the touchdown point on the runway. This ability to fly a nose-high descending approach is called “flying the sink rate” and is common for all swept-wing aircraft.

swept1The key to flying a sink rate approach and landing is to slow down the airplane. To do this, however, it is first very important to get familiar with both the slow-speed flight—and stall—characteristics of your particular model. Start by flying at a safe altitude, then reduce the throttle to about half power…

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5 Comments

  1. How come I only get to read a portion of the ‘PREMIUM’ articles, when I am loyal subscriber to the magazine? And when I pursue it, I find that it would cost me an additional $25 to have that access (I think that is correct)….. I believe your editor/publisher has lost or misplaced the true spirit as it relates to our amazing hobby….unfortunately it would appear that it is all about the money….I myself love to share what I learn while pursuing my hobby. I believe I have a two year subscription to M.A.N. but I would like to cancel my subscription and I don’t want any refund….I can see that y’all need the money…..I have several friends who feel the same way. Laura, you are a good editor but someone at the magazine has lost sight of what was the real reason we all originally banded together and formed clubs, established flying fields, etc. I speak from experience, as I am 64 years old…..I suffer from congenital heart failure but I intend to continue increasing my knowledge and sharing it with any and all until the last flight arrives, no charge. Thanks for your time.

    1. Amen John! You said it well for us all!

  2. John hit the nail on the head. I feel the same way.

  3. merci John sa vas me faire sauver de l`argent

  4. Well said John Court, I’m sure many, if not most of us, feel the same way…

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