Events
Events
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 · 7 stages, 7 scored
Events
Events
The threshold, the flare and the hold-off. The approach that led to it is the stabilisation gates below.
One stabilised approach gate: five checks where the approach path is 500 ft above the runway. The 1,000 ft gate was not assessed, because the approach did not join final that far out.
The approach, gate by gate
Side view — the last 1,524 m of the approach.
Plan view — the first 1,524 m of the 1,786 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 242 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
Departing from Cotswold Airport (EGBP), the Cessna C195 began its takeoff roll on runway 08, accelerating to a liftoff speed of 97 kt. The aircraft utilized 73% of the available runway length, covering a distance of 1,176 m before lifting off into the air. Local conditions were favorable, with a temperature of 16 °C and a gentle tailwind of 1 kt from a direction of 269°.
As the aircraft transitioned into the enroute climb phase, it began to ascend from an initial altitude of 656 ft above sea level to a cruising altitude of 513 ft. This climb was achieved in a short 1-minute period, during which the aircraft covered a distance of 2 nm. The climb rate was notable, with an increase of 144 ft in altitude. The aircraft continued on its eastbound heading, eventually entering the final approach phase to runway 26 at EGBP. The approach was characterized by a heading of 260.0° and an altitude of 86 ft above ground level, with the aircraft maintaining a steady descent.
Upon touchdown, the Cessna C195 demonstrated a good touchdown distance of 31 m, although the touchdown speed of 79 kt was slightly above the target. The aircraft's touchdown rate was, however, perfect at -30 fpm, and the runway touchdown alignment was spot on. The local weather conditions remained consistent, with a temperature of 16 °C and a gentle headwind of 1 kt from a direction of 270°. The flight concluded with a total distance of 3 nm, having utilized 1 kg of fuel and taken approximately 2 minutes to complete.
The final approach to runway 26 at EGBP Cotswold Airport from the east, heading 260.0° at 0 nm and 86 ft agl, was executed with precision. The aircraft, a Cessna C195, maintained a stable and controlled descent throughout the approach, with a good threshold height achieved. However, the threshold speed was slightly above the target, registering at 79 kt.
As the aircraft touched down on the runway, the touchdown distance was satisfactory at 31 m, indicating a controlled and smooth landing. Although the touchdown speed of 79 kt was a little fast, the touchdown rate of -30 fpm was perfect, demonstrating a well-executed landing. The runway touchdown alignment was also perfect, with the aircraft centered on the runway centerline. The local weather conditions, with a temperature of 16 °C and a gentle headwind of 1 kt, contributed to a smooth and stable approach.
The overall performance of the aircraft and the pilot during the landing was exceptional, with a score of 100.0% achieved. The combination of a good threshold height, controlled touchdown distance, and perfect touchdown rate, along with the precise runway touchdown alignment, resulted in a flawless landing. The pilot's ability to adapt to the local weather conditions and maintain a stable approach throughout was commendable.
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