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MY FS FLIGHTS
Flight Score
Improve the pattern base leg
Bank angle in the pattern is conventionally kept to 20 to 30 degrees, and the base-to-final turn is where that convention earns its keep. Stall speed rises with bank because the wing must produce more lift in a turn. Roughly 7 per cent higher at 30 degrees, about 19 per cent at 45, and around 40 per cent at 60. At 65 kt on base you don't have much margin to spend steepening a turn to salvage an overshoot.
Read more in Pattern WorkStart to finish · 13 stages, 13 scored
Events
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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 2,490 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 324 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The 0.13 G arrival is the firm side of smooth.
The rest of the report
Departing from Groningen Airport Eelde, the Sierra C24R began its takeoff roll on runway 23, accelerating to a liftoff speed of 76 kt in a distance of 568 meters, which accounted for 23% of the available runway length. The local weather conditions at the time were characterized by a temperature of 16 °C and a light wind of 1 kt from 269°, resulting in a negligible crosswind and headwind component.
As the aircraft entered the left-hand traffic pattern, it demonstrated a high degree of agility, completing the pattern entry turn in less than 1 nm in 27 seconds. The subsequent crosswind turn was similarly efficient, taking 26 seconds to complete. The pilot then initiated the downwind turn, which involved a 45-degree angle to the runway and a distance of 1 nm. The downwind leg itself was 2 nm long and took 60 seconds to complete. Following the base leg turn, the aircraft began its final approach to runway 23, aligning itself with the runway at a heading of 230.0° and an altitude of 198 ft above ground level.
The Sierra C24R touched down on the runway with a touchdown speed of 56 kt, which was well within the target range. The touchdown distance of 326 meters was also satisfactory, and the aircraft's rate of descent was an impressive -53 fpm. The runway touchdown alignment was perfect, indicating a high degree of precision and control during the final approach. The total flight distance was 7 nm, and the aircraft used 2 kg of fuel during the 5-minute flight.
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 230.0° at 0 nm and 198 ft above ground level. The approach quality was excellent, with a good threshold height achieved. As the aircraft descended onto the runway, the threshold speed was noted to be well above the target at 78 kt, indicating a high degree of control and stability.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft displayed good characteristics, with a touchdown distance of 326 m and a touchdown speed of 56 kt. The touchdown rate was particularly impressive, with an excellent rate of -53 fpm, demonstrating a high level of skill and control. The runway touchdown alignment was perfect, with the aircraft centered on the runway 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 overall performance of the aircraft was outstanding, with a score of 99.3%. The combination of a good approach, precise touchdown, and controlled rollout resulted in a flawless landing. The pilot's skill and experience were evident throughout the approach and landing phases, with a high degree of control and precision demonstrated at all stages.
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