I've had this discussion before in these forums and pretty much got flamed. However, I'll give it another go. I wouldn't attempt a turn back unless I had at least 1000' under my belt or turned crosswind. Bear in mind I have 18,000+ hours including military fast jet and instructor. Here's why -
- you are going to be surprised. It will take longer than you think to get the nose down so you are probably going to be slower than you plan
- to do the maneuver effectively, you need 45 bank
- you are going to have a lot of adverse yaw, especially if you pull and load up. This will swing the nose up and further reduce speed
- "I've practiced it dozens of times". At altitude, if you have any sense. Chances are you are going to have a lot of ground rush that you didn't anticipate. So again, instinctively pull up a bit
- now you realize you aren't turning as you want so put in bottom rudder to help the turn. The video shows the rest. 800' minimum to recover when you were ready for it. Basically, you are dead.
Now I'm going to hear about the mountains, trees, alligator infested lakes ahead so you have to do it. Fine. Assess your own risks. But in general by far the safest option is to land ahead - usually. A turn back may save the aircraft if you get it right but everyone should understand it is a high risk maneuver. Landing ahead may end up with a bent aeroplane but chances are you will walk away from it.
My 2c (or 2p ....)
- you are going to be surprised. It will take longer than you think to get the nose down so you are probably going to be slower than you plan
- to do the maneuver effectively, you need 45 bank
- you are going to have a lot of adverse yaw, especially if you pull and load up. This will swing the nose up and further reduce speed
- "I've practiced it dozens of times". At altitude, if you have any sense. Chances are you are going to have a lot of ground rush that you didn't anticipate. So again, instinctively pull up a bit
- now you realize you aren't turning as you want so put in bottom rudder to help the turn. The video shows the rest. 800' minimum to recover when you were ready for it. Basically, you are dead.
Now I'm going to hear about the mountains, trees, alligator infested lakes ahead so you have to do it. Fine. Assess your own risks. But in general by far the safest option is to land ahead - usually. A turn back may save the aircraft if you get it right but everyone should understand it is a high risk maneuver. Landing ahead may end up with a bent aeroplane but chances are you will walk away from it.
My 2c (or 2p ....)