Dead stick takeoff

[Larry Jacks]

I just saw this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z985xdXW-3w) via AvWeb. A guy takes off without his engine running from the top of a steep mountain and glides to a sandbar about 2 miles away for a deadstick landing. The YouTube site identifies the plane as a Highlander (http://www.justaircraft.com/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11&Itemid=33).

Don't try this at home. He could've started his engine on short notice if he needed some power but there's always the chance that the engine won't start as quick as you need it. Still, it looks like fun.

[JustAFriend]

Not too much of a big deal; any jet fighter, airliner or even the Space Shuttle can glide.

One of the most famous was a Canadian airliner that ran out of fuel (they couldn't figure gallons-to-metric conversion!!). Luckily the pilot was a trained glider pilot and was able to glide to an abandoned military strip. They even made a TV movie out of it.
Here's the story: http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=744

http://www.airsafe.com/events/noengine.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadstick_landing

Here's a video of a pilot doing a dead-stick landing in an F-16:
http://www.patricksaviation.com/videos/SUPERGT/3384/

[farmerjumperdon]

And if I remember correctly, a 747 can outglide a Cessna 182.

[HenrikOlsen]

And the shuttle can outglide a grand piano.

[Neverfly]

And the shuttle can outglide a grand piano.

But if you put wings on the piano- this statement may become debatable.

[Larry Jacks]

Not too much of a big deal; any jet fighter, airliner or even the Space Shuttle can glide.

But show me a jet fighter, airliner, or Space Shuttle that can fly by rolling down a steep hill and falling off a cliff.

[ggchuck]

And if I remember correctly, a 747 can outglide a Cessna 182.Perhaps, but the Cessna has many more non-destructive landing options.

[danscope]

Hi Larry,
He sure puts excitement into experimental aviation.

Best regards, Dan