Having detailed the concept of attitude control, there is another method which you may
prefer. For reasons that will become apparent, it is recommended for those pilots whose
airplanes have large, easily cleaned cabins. Known as the "Cat and Duck Method" of
instrument flight, it has received much publicity and is considered to have a great deal
of merit by those who have not tried it. No reports have been received from those who did
try it, and none are expected. Pilots are invited to assess its merits objectively.
Basic rules for the C&D Method of instrument flight are fairly well known and are
extremely simple. Here's how it's done:
1. Place a live cat on the cockpit floor; because a cat always remains upright. It can be
used in lieu of a needle and ball. Merely watch to see which way the cat leans to
determine if a wing is low and if so, which one.
2. The duck is used for instrument approach and landing. Because of the fact that any
sensible duck will refuse to fly under instrument conditions, it is only necessary to hurl
your duck out of the plane and follow it to the ground.
There are some limitations to the Cat and Duck Method, but by rigidly adhering to the
following checklist, a degree of success will be achieved which will surely startle you,
your passengers, and even an occasional tower operator.
1. Get a wide-awake cat. Most cats do not want to stand up at all. It may be necessary to
carry a large dog in the cockpit to keep the cat at attention.
2. Make sure your cat is clean. Dirty cats will spend all their time washing. Trying to
follow a washing cat usually results in a tight snap roll followed by an inverted spin.
3. Use old cats only. Young cats have nine lives, but old, used-up cats with only one life
left have just as much to lose as you do and will be more dependable.
4. Beware of cowardly ducks. If the duck discovers that you are using the cat to stay
upright, it will refuse to leave without the cat. Ducks are no better in IFR conditions
than you are.
5. Be sure the duck has good eyesight. Nearsighted ducks sometimes fail to realize that
they are on the gauges and go flogging off in the nearest hill. Very nearsighted ducks
will not realize that they have been thrown out and will descend to the ground in a
sitting position. This maneuver is difficult to follow in an airplane.
6. Use land-loving ducks. It is very discouraging to break out and find yourself on final
for a rice paddy, particularly if there are duck hunters around. Duck hunters suffer from
temporary insanity while sitting in freezing weather in the blinds and will shoot at
anything that flies.
7. Choose your duck carefully. It is easy to confuse ducks with geese because many water
birds look alike. While they are very competent instrument flyers, geese seldom want to go
in the same direction as you.
|
