Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Flying XIII. Emergency Landings. As my flight lessons progressed, the complexity of emergency test landings unfolded. As we took off over the runway, the instructor would suddenly pull the throttle, Which caused the loss of power and the immediate need to land. The idea was to turn, while not stalling, and quickly land back or beside the runway. Quick thinking is needed to determine if a plane next in line is taking off, Making it necessary to land 'on the grass' next to the runway. Of course, with the change of direction, one is further challenged by landing with the wind. Another instance, important to learn, is finding a landing spot from a higher altitude. At three to five thousand feet and the artificial loss of power, The challenge is to locate a field or beach or highway, And spiral down, attempting to figure wind direction, terrain, As well as judging the advantageous spot on which the wheels must touch. The instructor waits until the last 'perfect' moment And immediately pushes in the throttle to restore life to the malfunctioning flying machine. With much relief, one listens for the evaluation of the attempted landing. Even though these lessons are abrupt and cause elevated blood pressure, It is all in the game and the higher level of challenge Becomes more 'normal' and acceptable and a part of one's 'new reality'. Frank Maurer 25 May 2024 1735 Hours.