Forced engine shut-off

[ash]

I just watched the vid of the 2010 World Champ posted by Proparc and noticed that he used a semi-wingover to shut his engine down at the time and position of his choosing.

I've heard about pilots doing this to make sure they touch down in the ideal spot relative to the wind and judges, but rarely observed it for myself.

Anyone care to comment on the usefulness of this, whether they do it themselves or not and where exactly on the circle you're aiming for things to happen?

[Allen Brickhaus]

You must have a tank that is set in a position to give the cut off you desire.  I believe a plastic tank will not do that.  The pilot does a large loop at the downwind side and then a tight loop at the top of the second loop at the downwind side.  The engine will shut off leaving you with the goal of landing 360 degrees after the engine cut.  Your tank must be to the point that it is almost out of fuel for this to work.

Allen Brickhaus

[Balsa Butcher]

I can get cut-off loops to work if the engine/tank is set up for uniflow and have low fuel...and the engine hasn't already gone lean. If muffler pressure, won't work. I use this "maneuver" as a last resort if I am in danger of an over run. Used to use it regularly but quit for 2 reasons: too many unnecessary crashes occur during cut-off loops and if it doesn't work...you look stupid. I hate that. 

[Howard Rush]

It's one maneuver in which you can simultaneously look elitist and stupid.  That's my kind of maneuver.

[Mark Scarborough]

I like cut off loops so well, occasionally I will do multiple iterations in the same flight

[Dick Pacini]

Watching Al Rabe shut his Sea Fury down with the cutoff loop was a thing of beauty and a joy to behold.

[Air Ministry .]

A vertical eight works good .It ordinarily cuts inverted after the outside loop,
and has enough inertia to come round level at 5 ft. If you get it right .

[ash]

My current model runs a plastic clunk tank and muffler pressure, so I think maybe I won't try it just yet

It's also really heavy, so tempting fate seems doubly risky.