Events
Events
Events
Events
MY FS FLIGHTS
Flight Score
Improve the pattern downwind leg
The 45-degrees-behind-the-wing cue assumes you can turn your head and use peripheral vision. Downwind spacing cues like "put the wingtip halfway up the strut" assume a fixed, known eyepoint. Neither survives a monitor unmodified. If you fly on a fixed monitor, stop pretending and fly a numbers-based circuit.
Read more in Pattern WorkStart to finish · 14 stages, 12 scored
Events
Events
Events
Events
One stabilised approach gate for a circuit: five checks where the approach path is 500 ft above the runway. 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 2,492 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 274 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
Departing from Groningen Airport Eelde, the Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen, Pioneer, began its takeoff roll on runway 23. The aircraft accelerated smoothly, reaching liftoff speed of 39 kt in a relatively short distance of 223 m, which accounted for just 9% of the available runway length. The local weather conditions were favorable, with a temperature of 15 °C and a light wind of 1 kt from 270°, resulting in a negligible crosswind and headwind component.
As the aircraft entered the left-hand traffic pattern, it demonstrated impressive agility, completing the pattern entry in less than 1 nm in 21 seconds. The subsequent crosswind turn was equally swift, taking 22 seconds to complete. The pilot then initiated the downwind turn, maintaining a consistent angle of 45 degrees to the runway, and subsequently flew the downwind leg, covering a distance of 2 nm in 51 seconds. The base leg turn was executed smoothly, with the aircraft aligning itself for a precise final approach. The approach was made from the north-east, at a heading of 231.0°, and at an altitude of 454 ft above ground level.
The Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen, Pioneer, touched down on runway 23 with precision, achieving a touchdown speed of 22 kt and a touchdown rate of -96 fpm, which is considered excellent. The total landing distance was 306 m, accounting for just 12% of the available runway length. The runway rollout alignment was perfect, indicating a well-executed landing. The aircraft's performance was further highlighted by its fuel efficiency, using only 1 kg of fuel for the entire flight, which covered a distance of 7 nm in 6 minutes.
The final approach to runway 23 at EHGG Groningen Airport Eelde from the north east was executed with precision, with the aircraft maintaining a heading of 231.0° at 1 nm and 454 ft above ground level. The approach quality was excellent, with a good threshold height and a threshold speed of 40 kt, indicating a well-controlled descent. As the aircraft touched down, it did so with a speed of 22 kt, which was within the acceptable range, and a touchdown rate of -96 fpm, demonstrating exceptional control and stability.
The touchdown characteristics were noteworthy, with a touchdown distance of 271 m, which was well within the acceptable range. The runway touchdown alignment was perfect, indicating that the aircraft was centered on the runway and aligned with the centerline. The local weather conditions, with a temperature of 15°C and a wind of 1 kt at 270°, contributed to a smooth and stable approach. The crosswind and headwind components were minimal, at 1 kt each, further facilitating a controlled touchdown.
The rollout phase was equally impressive, with the aircraft maintaining perfect alignment with the centerline. The total landing distance of 306 m, which accounted for only 12% of the runway length, was a testament to the pilot's skill and the aircraft's performance. Overall, the landing was scored 97.7%, reflecting the high level of proficiency and control demonstrated throughout the approach, touchdown, and rollout phases.
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