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MY FS FLIGHTS
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Shorten the long landing
Ground effect becomes significant below about one wingspan of height. A Cessna 172, with a 36 ft span, enters ground effect at flare height - the float it feels in the hold-off is ground effect arriving on cue. An A320, with a span around 117 ft, has been in ground effect since before the threshold and there is no sudden cushion to feel, only a gradual reduction in induced drag that lengthens any float you allow.
Read more in Flare TimingStart to finish · 18 stages, 16 scored
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The threshold, the flare and the hold-off. The approach that led to it is the stabilisation gates below.
Two stabilised approach gates, each with seven checks, where the approach path is 1,000 ft and 500 ft above the runway.
The approach, gate by gate
Side view — the last 1,524 m of the approach.
Plan view — the first 1,524 m of the 1,815 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 287 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
Aircraft departed from Auckland International Airport (NZAA) on runway 23L, utilizing 40% of the 3,300-meter runway to achieve liftoff at a speed of 155 kt. The local weather conditions at the time of departure featured a temperature of 17 °C, with a moderate headwind of 5 kt and a crosswind of 10 kt. The aircraft's takeoff distance was 1,320 meters, a relatively short distance considering the available runway length.
Following a smooth departure, the aircraft began its enroute climb, ascending from 768 ft above sea level to 35,673 ft in 14 minutes, covering a distance of 78 nm. The climb was characterized by a steady increase in altitude, with the aircraft reaching its cruising altitude in a relatively short period. The enroute level cruise phase commenced 11 miles southwest of Taharoa Aerodrome (NZTS), lasting 11 minutes and covering 70 nm. The aircraft then initiated its enroute descent, reducing its altitude from 35,999 ft to 1,354 ft in 24 minutes, covering a distance of 118 nm. The descent phase was carefully managed to ensure a smooth transition to the final approach.
The aircraft began its final approach to runway 16 at Wellington International Airport (NZWN) from the north, aligning itself with the runway at 4 nm and 1,313 ft above ground level. The landing was executed with a threshold speed slightly above the target at 129 kt, resulting in a touchdown distance of 286 m, which was within acceptable limits. The touchdown speed of 123 kt was a little fast, but the runway touchdown alignment was very good. The aircraft taxied to the parking area in 3 minutes, covering less than 1 nm. The total flight distance was 274 nm, with a fuel consumption of 2,033 kg and a total flight time of 60 minutes.
The aircraft, an Airbus A320, commenced its final approach to runway 16 at NZWN Wellington International Airport from the north, aligning with the runway heading of 183.0° at a distance of 4 nautical miles and an altitude of 1,313 feet above ground level. The approach quality was satisfactory, with a good threshold height achieved. However, the threshold speed was slightly above the target, reaching 129 knots.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft's performance was notable, with a touchdown distance of 286 meters, which was within acceptable limits. The touchdown speed of 123 knots was a little fast, but the touchdown rate of -284 feet per minute was fair. The runway touchdown alignment was very good, indicating precise control during the final stages of the approach. The local weather conditions, with a temperature of 15°C and a headwind of 13 knots, contributed to a relatively smooth landing.
The total landing distance of 817 meters, accounting for 45% of the runway length, was reasonable. The runway rollout alignment was perfect, demonstrating the pilot's ability to maintain control and stability during the critical phases of the landing. Overall, the landing performance was impressive, with a score of 99.3% reflecting the high level of proficiency displayed by the crew.
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