Short Final: Pugachev’s Cobra

F-22 Raptors at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot flying a Skylane near Palo Alto was instructed by NORCAL air traffic control to hold their position in busy airspace.
  • The pilot humorously considered performing an advanced, impossible maneuver (Pugachev's cobra) but instead executed standard 360-degree turns.
  • The article highlights the practical limitations of the Skylane, contrasting the pilot's desire for advanced capabilities with the aircraft's steady but unexciting performance.
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Returning to Palo Alto airport from the East on a short flight through the busy Bay Area airspace, I was admiring Mount Diablo at 4500 feet when NORCAL instructed, “Skylane XYZ hold your current position.”

I was extremely tempted to respond “NORCAL, Skylane XYZ commencing ‘Pugachev’s cobra’ maneuver,” but said instead “Skylane XYZ right 360s.”

The humble Skylane goes slow and steady but cannot hover! Maybe one day.

Ivo Linev
Berkeley, California

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