Fly In The Yellow Arc

Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

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

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Key Takeaways:

The article clarifies that using landing gear at high speed to slow down is an extreme, last-ditch maneuver intended for out-of-control situations or spatial disorientation, not a general recommendation.
It addresses the pilot's legal responsibility for aircraft airworthiness (FAR 91.7), even for renters, while acknowledging the practical reliance on maintenance technicians for accurate information.
A pilot recounts regretting not declaring an emergency during an engine malfunction and difficult night landing, emphasizing that declaring provides critical ATC assistance and significantly reduces risk.

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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.