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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 · 10 stages, 9 scored
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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.
At the 500 ft gate: off the runway's 3° glideslope and off the centreline.
The approach, gate by gate
Side view — the last 970 m of the approach.
Plan view — the full 970 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 176 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
The flight began with a departure roll from runway 28 at EGHR Goodwood Aerodrome, a Cessna 208B aircraft taking to the skies. The takeoff distance was a relatively short 34 meters, accounting for just 5% of the runway's length. The aircraft lifted off at a speed of 26 knots, and with a local temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and a gentle headwind of 1 knot, the conditions were favorable for a smooth takeoff.
As the aircraft climbed away from the aerodrome, it began its enroute climb approximately 1 mile northwest of Westhampnett, in West Sussex, England. The climb was steep, with the aircraft rising from 798 feet above sea level to 662 feet in just 1 minute, covering a distance of less than 1 nautical mile. This impressive climb rate allowed the aircraft to quickly gain altitude and make the most of its flight.
After reaching its cruising altitude, the aircraft began its final approach to runway 14 at EGHR Goodwood Aerodrome, coming in from the northwest at a heading of 168.0 degrees. At a distance of 1 nautical mile from the runway and an altitude of 544 feet above ground level, the aircraft was in a prime position to make a safe and controlled landing.
The landing itself was a textbook example of a well-executed maneuver. The aircraft touched down on the runway at a speed of 53 knots, with a touchdown distance of just 174 meters. The touchdown rate was smooth, at -102 feet per minute, and the runway touchdown alignment was very good. The conditions at the time of landing were similar to those at takeoff, with a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and a gentle tailwind of 1 knot.
In total, the flight covered a distance of 3 nautical miles, taking just 3 minutes to complete. The aircraft used a relatively small amount of fuel, consuming just 9 kilograms during the flight. Overall, the flight was a success, with the aircraft performing well in a variety of conditions.
The Cessna 208B aircraft successfully landed at EGHR Goodwood Aerodrome, achieving a score of 88.5%. The final approach was conducted from the north-west, heading 168.0° at 1 nautical mile and 544 feet above ground level (agl). The aircraft demonstrated a good understanding of the aerodrome's layout and navigational requirements.
Upon landing on runway 14, the aircraft showed a good threshold height, indicating that the pilot maintained a safe altitude before touching down. The threshold speed of 62 knots was also satisfactory, suggesting that the pilot had a good grasp of the aircraft's speed and control during the approach. The touchdown distance of 174 meters was within acceptable limits, further emphasizing the pilot's skill and control.
The touchdown speed of 53 knots was also good, indicating that the pilot had successfully managed the aircraft's descent and speed to achieve a smooth landing. The touchdown rate of -102 feet per minute (fpm) was smooth, suggesting that the pilot had maintained a steady and controlled descent throughout the approach.
The runway touchdown alignment was very good, indicating that the pilot had successfully aligned the aircraft with the runway and maintained a steady course throughout the approach. The local weather conditions, with a temperature of 15°C and a wind speed of 1 knot at 269°, were relatively calm, which likely contributed to the smooth and controlled nature of the landing.
The crosswind and tailwind components were minimal, at 1 knot each, which suggests that the pilot had successfully managed the aircraft's orientation and control despite the presence of some wind. Overall, the landing was a success, with the pilot demonstrating a high level of skill and control throughout the approach and touchdown.
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