N2469R
Takeoffs and Landings
Digital Stereo CVR Recordings


These were recorded with a Sony condenser microphone attached to the right front seat feeding a Sony Digital Audio Tape recorder. A Creative Sound Blaster Live! card converted the digital input stream to 44.1 kbps/channel WAVE files. Files are compressed with RealAudio.

  • Normal Takeoff Tower clearance and takeoff from Troutdale airport (TTD), just east of Portland, Oregon. I fed the tower communications to the speaker so they would appear on tape. The static is caused by FM and TV stations overloading the King (Allied Signal) KX-155 transceiver. I use 0 degrees flaps for normal takeoffs. The wavering of the sound toward the end of this clip is the result of acoustical interference with the engine sound reflection from the runway at liftoff. 450kb
  • Normal Landing Final approach and landing at Hillsboro runway 30 (6600 feet). I use full 40 degrees flaps for most landings. Notice the wheezing sounds as the airplane approaches stall speed. This was somewhat of a short field landing as I normally make the 1260 foot A6 turnoff when landing on runway 30. With the Skylane, a little power is commonly used to control the sink rate just before touchdown. Pilots used to lighter planes require some readjustment of landing technique. 225kb

  • Short Field Takeoff at Cornelius Skyport (4S4), a 2000 foot grass strip. Unlike the textbook short field takeoff procedure, the throttle is advanced slowly to build up rolling speed before applying full power. This prevents the propeller from sucking up gravel and rocks and getting dinged. Takeoff uses 20 degrees flaps with liftoff at 60 mph indicated. This is just above the stall speed, which causes the stall warning to sound briefly. 112kb
  • Short Field Landing at Cornelius Skyport. The airplane is slowed close to stall speed just before touchdown. Compare the noise from the rough surface and the absence of tire squeal on touchdown to the landing on asphalt. 2000 feet isn't short field for a Skylane, but the poor braking action on grass leaves less room for error. 192kb

    For shorter landings, a Skylane can be flown at even lower speed with some power applied. This operation on the back side of the power curve is called "dragging it in", and is susceptible to wind changes and power failure.