Events
Events
Events
Events
MY FS FLIGHTS
Flight Score
Maintain the centreline
A small uncorrected heading error at 40 knots becomes a metre of offset per second by 100 knots, noticed only at rotation, producing a crabbed liftoff. Root cause is nearly always eyes on the tape instead of the far end of the runway. Small heading changes displace a distant point visibly long before the nearby centreline stripes look wrong.
Read more in Improve Your Take-OffsStart to finish · 14 stages, 14 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.
At the 500 ft gate: off the runway's 3° glideslope.
The approach, gate by gate
Side view — the last 827 m of the approach.
Plan view — the full 827 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 38 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
A Cessna C172 took off from runway 28 at Essex County Airport (KCDW) after a smooth departure roll. The aircraft covered a takeoff distance of 208 meters, which was 25% of the runway length. At a liftoff speed of 68 knots, the aircraft lifted off the ground quickly, benefiting from calm local weather conditions.
As the aircraft entered the left-hand traffic pattern, it navigated through the area with ease. The entry point from the runway was completed in just 13 seconds, covering a distance of less than 1 nautical mile. The left-hand pattern crosswind section took 50 seconds to cover 1 nautical mile. Throughout the pattern, the aircraft demonstrated smooth control and navigation.
The pattern configuration consisted of a standard four-point approach, starting with the downwind turn. This section covered a distance of 2 nautical miles, with an angle of 80.3 degrees to the runway. The downwind leg itself took 88 seconds to complete, covering the same distance of 2 nautical miles. Upon reaching the base leg, the aircraft turned 28.3 degrees towards the runway and maintained this direction as it approached the landing threshold.
As the aircraft completed its base leg, it began its final turn towards the runway. This section was completed in 30 seconds, covering a short distance of less than 1 nautical mile. With a final approach heading of 263.0 degrees at an altitude of 774 feet above ground level, just 1 nautical mile from the runway, the aircraft began its descent for landing.
The landing on runway 28 was smooth, with a touchdown speed of 49 knots. The threshold height was reported as good, and the touchdown distance of 35 meters was within reasonable limits. The touchdown rate was firm at -331 feet per minute, and the aircraft maintained perfect runway alignment.
Throughout the flight, the aircraft utilized 2 kilograms of fuel, covering a total distance of 7 nautical miles. The flight duration was 5 minutes, demonstrating a relatively short and efficient operation from takeoff to landing.
The Cessna C172 successfully landed on runway 28 at KCDW Essex County Airport, achieving a high score of 98.0%. The aircraft made a precise final approach to the runway from the east, tracking a heading of 263.0° at 1 nautical mile and 774 feet above ground level (ft agl). This indicates a controlled and stable approach, with the pilot maintaining a high degree of situational awareness.
Upon landing, the aircraft touched down on the runway with a speed of 49 knots, which was slightly below the target threshold speed. However, this was still an acceptable speed, and the touchdown distance of 35 meters was good, indicating that the pilot had successfully managed the aircraft's descent and touched down within a reasonable distance from the beginning of the runway.
The touchdown speed and rate were also within acceptable limits. The touchdown speed of 49 kt was maintained until touchdown and then slowed down. The touchdown rate of -331 feet per minute (fpm) was firm, suggesting that the pilot had absorbed the impact of touchdown effectively and was able to bring the aircraft to a safe stop without any issues.
An added benefit of this landing was the perfect runway touchdown alignment. This indicates that the pilot had maintained accurate control of the aircraft's alignment and had successfully lined up with the centerline of the runway. The favorable local weather conditions, with a temperature of 16°C and winds of 0 knots at 359°, did not pose any challenges for the pilot.
Overall, this landing demonstrates the aircraft's performance capabilities as well as the pilot's skills and experience in navigating the Cessna C172 to a safe landing. With a score of 98.0%, this is an excellent result that reflects the high level of competence of the pilot and the reliability of the aircraft.
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