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on responding to an asymmetric flap extension. But for many airplane types this technique should work. Once established at a safe speed and altitude with no difficulty maintaining control:
1. Ensure the FLAP MOTOR circuit breaker is in.
2. Extend the UP flap, if possible, to match the posi- tion of the other flap.
3. Retract the DOWN flap, if possible, to match the position of the other flap.
4. If one flap is stuck in an intermediate position, use the switch to extend or retract one flap to match the position of the other.
5. Pull the FLAP MOTOR circuit breaker when the f lap extension is approximately the same on both sides.
6. Land with flaps in the matched position.
If you’re unable to match flap positions, select the lon- gest available runway with the lowest possible crosswind, and keep your speed up to touchdown to retain control.
Other lessons
The Duke pilot apparently included a Before Takeoff checklist procedure I’ve seen performed by many pi- lots and even taught myself when I was instructing at Beech Field back in the 1990s: run the flaps through every position to confirm the indicators and limit switches are working properly. In airplanes with the approach flap preselect, this means moving the handle from Up to Approach, confirming the flaps stop halfway out, go- ing from there to full Down, afterward raising the flaps again to Approach, and then bringing the flaps fully Up—pausing each time to confirm the flap goes to the selected position and the flap motor stops.
The trouble is, in many types, it’s difficult or even impossible to see the right flap from the left seat (such as in the Duke). But is this flap check really necessary just before takeoff? It’s my opinion that we should not check the flap operation on the Before Takeoff checklist. Check full operation of the flaps during scheduled inspection and when accepting the airplane from maintenance while it’s in the hangar. Occasionally check flap operation as part of your preflight inspection, so you’ll see a split flap condition before you try to fly. Assure the flaps are set for takeoff before you get back into the airplane, then leave them alone before takeoff. If you experience what feels like an engine failure shortly after takeoff, be swift but methodical in your response to avoid misidentifying what might be a completely different type of emergency.
Thomas P. Turner is the author of the FLYING LESSONS Weekly blog (www.thomaspturner.com) that inspires pilots to pursue Mastery of Flight.TM A prolific writer, speaker and flight instructor, Tom has been inducted into the National Flight Instructor Hall of Fame.
May 2024 / TWIN & TURBINE • 21