Posted on 06/20/2012 10:14:52 AM PDT by lbryce
“a/c that appears to be losing control-ability, I'd rather land with the tanks as close to empty as possible...more lift and maneuverability close to the ground”
The key data here is the control-ability problem.
Staying aloft to burn down fuel when you ARE experiencing flight control problems is far more risky than the POSSIBILITY of bending the gear or getting hot brakes.
Possible (though not probable) damage to the jet landing heavy versus the certainty of 100% loss of life and the jet when you lose flight controls no matter the phase of flight.
I understand your position and I think the idea of dumping fuel is a good one under certain circumstances, immediacy of action--landing--is required in this situation.
Cheers.
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