With the year coming to an end, and with lots of folks showing an interest in the P38, I thought it an opportune time to post the newly refined SAPP landing technique. I was able to film it last night on my first SAPP flight of SAPP night. This does raise the bar for an appropriate SAPP landing however as I have introduced a number of new refinements.
It's important to get your 38 trimmed for landing. In my case, it's removing part of the right wing and losing the engine on the same wing. I find I have more control this way. Also note that a runway is not a requirement for a SAPP landing, only a point on the ground to aim for. I am aiming for an isolated hedge towards the top middle of the screenshot.
Without trouble I am bringing the old 38G down right on target.
Note the angle of the smoke trail as I want to make sure I'm going straight.
I've found that the hedges provided by HTC are valuable tools in helping a SAPP landing. Note the wing in the hedge as I touch down.
Also note I like to go easy on the landing gear, using only one at a time to save tire wear.
HTC has also been kind enough to leave an opening in the hedge for a pilot to put the nose of his plane. With practice, you too can take advantage of this.
It's during this time that it is time to think about parts and storage. I've begun to remove parts now and to burn off my remaining fuel
A proficient P38 pilot can remove a number of parts at one time. Also note that this is where the art of the landing starts to show as I've introduced the 360 degree, leaping turn and flop to the landing
You can see that I am now facing the direction I came in, while taking pressure off the gear with a brief jump.
Continuing, I now have the nose high as I am swinging it around back towards my original landing direction while working on rudder and elevator removal
Almost completely though the 360 now, and the elevator is feeling the strain
Off it pops as I'm now back on all three gear and in my final roll out
Engines off, the remaining fuel burning away, and I down and safe, none the worse for wear. You too can someday learn to land the P38 the SAPP way if you are willing to put in the time and the effort. I hope this little photo essay will inspire you to keep working hard in the new year!
