Fly In The Yellow Arc

Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

Friday, July 22, 2022 at 05:18 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

While pitching up is generally a safer method for emergency airspeed reduction, extending gear above V_LO is suggested as a last-resort option in extreme, disorienting "out-of-control" flight scenarios.
Pilots hold ultimate responsibility for an aircraft's airworthiness (FAR 91.7), even when relying on mechanics and operators for maintenance, as highlighted by a question regarding a renter pilot's liability.
A pilot's personal account emphasizes the critical importance of promptly declaring an emergency to ensure ATC assistance and reduce risk, regretting that reluctance led to a more hazardous landing situation.

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Regarding the May 2022 issue’s staff article, “Fly in the Yellow Arc?” I disagree with the recommendation to extend the gear above V_LO to slow down “in a hurry.” The pilot has no idea how the airplane will react to lowering the gear at a high airspeed—will it pitch or yaw? Asymmetric drag if a gear door separates? What will that separated gear door hit on its way back?

The best and fastest way to reduce airspeed is to pull up the nose. Raising it 30 degrees will get your airspeed indicator back in the green in 2-3 seconds. To recover, push over and go slightly negative until the nose is again on the horizon.