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 · 13 stages, 12 scored
Events
Events
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 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 953 m of the approach.
Plan view — the full 953 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 232 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
Aboard the GA-8 Airvan Commuter N13AV, the departure from Andreas Airfield, EGZU, commenced with a roll on runway 29. The aircraft successfully cleared the threshold and lifted off the ground at a speed of 76 kt, utilizing only 38% of the total runway length of 365 m. Local weather conditions were ideal with a temperature of 15 °C, while the wind was blowing at a rate of 2 kt from a direction of 269 degrees.
Following a smooth takeoff, the pilot began executing a left-hand pattern as per the airport's standard traffic procedures. Entry into the left-hand pattern required a mere 16 seconds to cover a distance of less than 1 nautical mile. As the aircraft proceeded with its pattern, it executed a successful left-hand crosswind turn, covering the same distance in 20 seconds.
As the aircraft continued with the pattern, it made a downwind turn at an angle of 75.4 degrees with respect to the runway. This transition was followed by a downwind leg, which covered a distance of 2 nautical miles in 61 seconds. Subsequently, the aircraft turned onto the base leg before initiating its final approach toward runway 29 at EGZU Andreas Airfield from the east.
The final approach took place at an altitude of 422 feet above ground level (agl) and at a heading of 282.0 degrees, 1 nautical mile from the runway threshold. Upon completing a successful final approach, the pilot navigated the aircraft to a precise touchdown on the runway, taking advantage of the good threshold height, threshold speed, and touchdown distance. The touchdown speed was recorded at 58 kt and the touchdown rate was an impressive -94 feet per minute (fpm).
Throughout the flight, the GA-8 Airvan Commuter N13AV demonstrated seamless handling and maneuverability. The total flight distance was 5 nautical miles, covering the entire procedure in 4 minutes. The aircraft consumed a mere 3 kg of fuel during the entire operation, showcasing its exceptional fuel efficiency and performance.
GA-8 Airvan Commuter N13AV successfully landed at EGZU Andreas Airfield, achieving an impressive score of 98.6%. The aircraft demonstrated a high level of proficiency in navigating the final approach and touchdown phases.
The aircraft approached the runway from the east at an altitude of 422 feet above ground level (agl) and a distance of 1 nautical mile from the threshold, with a heading of 282.0°. The pilot's ability to maintain a steady approach and align the aircraft with the runway was evident.
Upon landing, the GA-8 Airvan Commuter touched down on the runway at a distance of 231 meters, indicating a smooth and controlled descent. This distance is within acceptable parameters for a safe landing, showing the pilot's skill in managing the aircraft's speed and altitude.
The touchdown speed of 58 knots was also in line with expected values, suggesting that the pilot effectively managed the aircraft's momentum during the final approach. Furthermore, the touchdown rate of -94 feet per minute was excellent, demonstrating the pilot's ability to achieve a controlled and stable touchdown.
Runway touchdown alignment was particularly good, indicating that the aircraft was well-aligned with the runway at the time of touchdown. This is a critical factor in ensuring a safe and successful landing. Additionally, the local weather conditions, with a temperature of 15°C and a relatively light wind of 2 knots from 269°, did not pose any significant challenges for the pilot.
The overall performance of the GA-8 Airvan Commuter N13AV during this landing was impressive, with the pilot demonstrating a high level of skill and proficiency in navigating the final approach and touchdown phases.
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