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Shorten the long landing
Ground effect becomes significant below about one wingspan of height. A Cessna 172, with a 36 ft span, enters ground effect at flare height - the float it feels in the hold-off is ground effect arriving on cue. An A320, with a span around 117 ft, has been in ground effect since before the threshold and there is no sudden cushion to feel, only a gradual reduction in induced drag that lengthens any float you allow.
Read more in Flare TimingStart to finish · 9 stages, 8 scored
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 2,207 m of the approach.
Plan view — the first 2,207 m of the 2,488 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
Touched down 1,837 m past the threshold — beyond the full-score zone. The 0.17 G arrival is the firm side of smooth.
The rest of the report
Departing from Groningen Airport Eelde, the American Champion Scout, registration LIONS 26 650, began its takeoff roll on runway 23. The aircraft accelerated down the 2,345-meter runway, reaching a liftoff speed of 91 knots. The takeoff distance of 2,345 meters accounted for 94% of the available runway, demonstrating a smooth and efficient departure. Local weather conditions at the time of departure featured a temperature of 16 degrees Celsius and a light wind of 1 knot from 270 degrees, resulting in a negligible crosswind component.
As the aircraft climbed to a safe altitude, it transitioned into an enroute climb phase, commencing overhead Donderen in the province of Drenthe. The aircraft climbed from an initial altitude of 741 feet above sea level to 284 feet, an increase of 457 feet in just one minute. This climb phase covered a distance of one nautical mile, showcasing the aircraft's ability to efficiently gain altitude. The final approach to runway 05 at Groningen Airport Eelde was initiated from the southwest, with the aircraft maintaining a heading of 49.0 degrees at an altitude of 260 feet above ground level.
The landing phase was characterized by a touchdown speed of 45 knots, which was well within the target range. The touchdown rate of -26 feet per minute was also satisfactory, indicating a controlled descent. However, the touchdown point was slightly misaligned from the centerline by 4.8 meters, resulting in a total landing distance of 2,103 meters, which accounted for 84% of the available runway. The runway rollout alignment was excellent, demonstrating the pilot's skill in managing the aircraft's descent and touchdown. The total flight distance of 4 nautical miles was completed in 3 minutes, with a fuel consumption of -2 kilograms.
The final approach to runway 05 at EHGG Groningen Airport Eelde from the south west was executed with a heading of 49.0° at 0 nm and 260 ft above ground level. The approach quality was satisfactory, with a good threshold height observed. However, the threshold speed was well above the target at 72 kt, indicating a slightly high approach speed.
As the aircraft touched down on the runway, it used more than 50% of the available runway, resulting in a long touchdown point. The touchdown speed of 45 kt was within the acceptable range, and the touchdown rate of -26 fpm was perfect, indicating a smooth and controlled descent. Although the runway touchdown position was slightly misaligned by 4.8 m from the centreline, the rollout alignment was very good, demonstrating good control and coordination during the landing phase.
The total landing distance of 2,103 m was 84% of the runway length, indicating a relatively long landing distance. However, the overall score of 83.2% reflects a satisfactory performance, considering the slightly high approach speed and the long touchdown point. The local weather conditions, with a temperature of 20 °C and a light tailwind of 3 kt, did not significantly impact the landing performance.
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