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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 · 12 stages, 10 scored
Events
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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 1,800 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 389 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The 0.95 G arrival is the firm side of smooth.
The rest of the report
Departing from Cotswold Airport, the Piper PA-24-250 Comanche began its takeoff roll on runway 26, accelerating to a liftoff speed of 56 kt in a distance of 242 m, which represented 15% of the available runway length. The local weather conditions were characterized by a temperature of 15 °C and a light headwind of 1 kt from a direction of 270 °, resulting in a negligible crosswind component.
As the aircraft entered the left-hand traffic pattern, it demonstrated a swift and efficient turn, completing the entry maneuver in less than 1 nm in 42 seconds. Subsequent turns in the pattern were equally impressive, with the crosswind turn requiring a mere 25 seconds to complete. The aircraft then began its final approach to runway 08, descending from a height of 97 ft agl at a heading of 77.0 °. The pilot maintained a steady approach speed, slightly above the target threshold speed of 72 kt, and touched down on the runway at a speed of 48 kt, resulting in a touchdown distance of 387 m. The touchdown rate was an excellent -75 fpm, and the runway touchdown alignment was perfect.
The aircraft's performance during the landing phase was further highlighted by a total landing distance of 556 m, which represented 34% of the available runway length. The runway rollout alignment was also perfect, indicating a high degree of control and precision during the post-landing phase. The total flight distance was a relatively short 3 nm, taking approximately 4 minutes to complete, and the aircraft consumed a mere 1 kg of fuel during the flight. Overall, the pilot demonstrated a high level of skill and proficiency throughout the flight, executing a series of precise and efficient maneuvers.
The final approach to runway 08 at EGBP Cotswold Airport was executed from the west, with a heading of 77.0° at 0 nm and 97 ft above ground level. The aircraft maintained a stable and controlled descent, with a good threshold height achieved. However, the threshold speed was slightly above the target at 72 kt, indicating a minor deviation from the ideal approach speed.
As the aircraft touched down on the runway, it demonstrated good touchdown characteristics, with a speed of 48 kt and a touchdown distance of 387 m. The touchdown rate was particularly impressive, with an excellent -75 fpm, indicating a smooth and controlled touchdown. The runway touchdown alignment was perfect, with the aircraft centered on the runway. The local weather conditions, with a temperature of 16 °C and a wind of 1 kt at 270°, contributed to a relatively calm and stable environment for the landing.
The aircraft's rollout was equally impressive, with perfect alignment on the runway centerline. The total landing distance of 556 m, which accounted for 34% of the runway length, was well within acceptable limits. Overall, the landing was executed to a high standard, with a score of 99.4% reflecting the pilot's skill and attention to detail.
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