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Bird Strike!

Even after many years safely operating general aviation aircraft, their ability to simultaneously frighten and educate never ceases to amaze me. One example came on an otherwise benign summer weekend afternoon. I had checked out one of the military flying clubs Piper Arrow IIs for a local flight. I had a trip coming up in another couple of weeks and wanted to make sure everything I remembered about the airplane was, in fact, correct.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An experienced general aviation pilot encountered a bird strike on final approach to landing.
  • Despite the impact, the pilot deliberately avoided overreacting, maintaining control and assessing the aircraft's condition before proceeding with a normal landing.
  • Post-flight inspection revealed only a minor feather and no significant damage, validating the pilot's calm approach.
  • The article emphasizes the critical importance of pilots not overreacting to suspected in-flight issues, especially near landing, and instead calmly assessing the situation while maintaining aircraft control.
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Even after many years safely operating general aviation aircraft, their ability to simultaneously frighten and educate never ceases to amaze me. One example came on an otherwise benign summer weekend afternoon.

I had checked out one of the military flying clubs Piper Arrow

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