I have to share this scary tale with you. It shows what can happen with just
the
tiniest absence of vigilance. Perhaps it will help you avoid the careless
move I made recently.
I've been flying for over fifty years with thousands of hours in the air and
hundreds
in various models of Europa, including a half dozen first flights.
While preparing for a solo flight in a tri-gear on a gusty day, I taxied
downwind
for takeoff on runway 09 at Ramona (KRNM) in San Diego county, California.
Winds were about 060/20 kts and with little rudder effectiveness I used the
brakes
for directional control. After pre takeoff checks (including control movement)
I twisted my body around in the cockpit to check for landing traffic.
As I did so, my right foot inadvertently came off the right rudder pedal and
was then resting against the firewall bulkhead.
The tower cleared me for takeoff and an immediate left turn after airborne. As
I taxied into takeoff position, I applied what I thought was full right rudder.
Not unexpected, considering the wind, right brake was needed to line up and
also during steady power increase for takeoff. What was surprising was the
rudder did not appear to become effective as I accelerated. Perhaps I was
experiencing
a directional wind shift or a strong gust.
Lots of right brake was required, slowing my acceleration. Slowly approaching
unstick speed and not feeling I had control on the ground, I went full throttle
(Jabiru 3300 with climb prop) and rotated at minimum controllable airspeed to
get into the air where I was sure I could control things.
Wow, what a ride! The combination of not using any more right brake, the full
power left turning tendency and the strong weather-cocking wind resulted in an
exciting immediate heading change of about 45 degrees to port. On the flying
edge, I got airborne and passed between the control tower and a hangar, picking
up a few flowers on the way. I asked the tower if that left turn after takeoff
was immediate enough and also just what are they reading for current wind.
They replied it was about 060/20 kts and sensing something was wrong, did I
want an immediate landing. I, of course, declined. I first needed to find out
what was wrong with the rudder system. While climbing, the ball was out to
the right and I was pressing hard on the "right rudder". I checked the left
rudder and the ball went further right. In a flash I it all made sense--I had
been pushing hard on the firewall beneath my right foot!
LESSON LEARNED: Europa rudder pedals are of minimum size which allows us to
extend
our legs between the pedals for comfort while cruising--a desirable
feature--but........
So how will I prevent this from happening again? Easy. When I'm all lined up
ready to apply full takeoff power I will quickly pulse the rudder in both
directions
to ensure proper foot placement.
You fly safely! Bob
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