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MY FS FLIGHTS
Flight Score
Know your rotation speed
A typical trainer rotates in the mid-50s of knots - a 172 at around 55 KIAS, climbing out at a Vy in the low 70s, though check your own POH rather than memorising Cessna's numbers - and the transferable rule is that Vr sits just above the stall speed in takeoff configuration. Rotate early because "it felt ready" and the aircraft lifts off inside ground effect, where induced drag is reduced, then climbs out of it into more drag. On a marginal-performance day the result is an aircraft that lifts off and then refuses to climb, sagging back towards the runway.
Read more in Improve Your Take-OffsStart to finish · 14 stages, 14 scored
Events
Events
Events
Events
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Events
One stabilised approach gate for a circuit: six checks at the point nearest 500 ft above the runway after the base turn. The 1,000 ft gate is an instrument-approach check and does not apply.
The approach, gate by gate
Side view — the last 1,524 m of the approach.
Plan view — the first 1,524 m of the 3,050 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 490 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
Taxiing from the parking area to the runway at YAMB RAAF Base Amberley took approximately 1 minute, covering less than 1 nautical mile. The aircraft then began its departure roll on runway 15, utilizing 732 meters, or 24% of the runway's length, to achieve liftoff at a speed of 116 knots. The local weather conditions at the time of takeoff were characterized by a temperature of 13 degrees Celsius and a gentle headwind of 4 knots from a direction of 190 degrees.
Following a right-hand pattern entry from runway 15, the aircraft completed a series of turns and legs, demonstrating its agility and responsiveness. The right-hand pattern crosswind turn, in particular, showcased the aircraft's ability to handle crosswind conditions, with a distance of less than 1 nautical mile covered in just 7 seconds. The pattern downwind turn, with an angle to the runway of 59.8 degrees, was followed by a downwind leg of 3 nautical miles, which was completed in 53 seconds. The subsequent base leg turn and final turn were executed with precision, setting the aircraft up for a smooth final approach.
The final approach to runway 15 was initiated from a heading of 159.0 degrees, at an altitude of 214 feet above ground level, and a distance of 0 nautical miles from the runway threshold. The landing was executed with a threshold speed that was well above the target, at 108 knots, and a touchdown point that was 63 meters beyond the touchdown zone. Although the touchdown speed of 101 knots was slightly faster than desired, the touchdown rate of -191 feet per minute was good, and the runway touchdown alignment was very good. The total flight distance was 10 nautical miles, covering a distance of 3 minutes, and the aircraft consumed 14 kilograms of fuel during the flight.
The final approach to runway 15 at YAMB RAAF Base Amberley from the north was executed with precision, with the aircraft maintaining a heading of 159.0° at 0 nm and 214 ft above ground level. The approach quality was excellent, with a good threshold height achieved. However, the threshold speed was slightly above the target, coming in at 108 kt, which may have been a result of the favorable wind conditions, with a 4 kt headwind and a minimal crosswind of 2 kt.
As the aircraft touched down on the runway, it was noted that the touchdown point was 63 m beyond the touchdown zone, indicating a slight overrun. The touchdown speed of 101 kt was also a little fast, but the touchdown rate of -191 fpm was good, suggesting a controlled descent. The runway touchdown alignment was very good, with the aircraft maintaining its centerline alignment throughout the rollout phase. The local weather conditions, with a temperature of 13 °C and a light wind, contributed to a smooth and stable approach.
The overall performance of the aircraft was impressive, with a final score of 99.7%. The crew's ability to maintain a good approach quality, despite the slightly high threshold speed, and the aircraft's controlled touchdown and rollout, demonstrate a high level of proficiency. The landing was executed safely and efficiently, with the aircraft coming to a stop well within the designated rollout area.
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