Events
MY FS FLIGHTS
Flight Score
Improve the pattern crosswind leg
Each lap slightly wider and higher than the last, because you're unconsciously using the previous lap as your reference instead of the runway and the numbers. Invisible lap to lap, unmistakable across ten. This is the failure that only measurement catches, because your memory of lap three is gone by lap eight.
Read more in Pattern WorkStart to finish · 10 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 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 2,488 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 263 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
Departing from Groningen Airport Eelde, the Grumman AA-5A Cheetah taxied down runway 23, accelerating smoothly before lifting off the ground at a speed of 57 knots. The aircraft's takeoff distance of 348 meters accounted for just 14% of the available runway length, demonstrating a strong performance in the initial phase of flight. As the aircraft climbed away from the airport, it encountered a calm local weather environment, with a temperature of 16°C and a gentle wind blowing at 1 knot from a direction of 270°.
As the aircraft entered the traffic pattern, it began a left-hand circuit, navigating the pattern in a timely manner. The left-hand pattern entry from runway 23 was completed in under 1 nautical mile in just 69 seconds, showcasing the pilot's proficiency in handling the aircraft. Subsequent turns in the pattern were equally efficient, with the left-hand pattern crosswind leg covered in just 27 seconds. With the aircraft now configured for landing, it began its final approach to runway 05, descending from an altitude of 140 feet above ground level (agl) at a heading of 27.0°.
The Grumman AA-5A Cheetah touched down on runway 05 with a speed of 44 knots, achieving a touchdown distance of 267 meters, which was a mere 17% of the available runway length. The touchdown rate of -92 feet per minute (fpm) was an excellent indication of the pilot's skill in managing the aircraft's descent. Although the runway touchdown position was slightly misaligned by 3.2 meters from the centerline, the subsequent rollout alignment was very good. The total landing distance of 414 meters was a testament to the aircraft's performance, and the pilot's ability to navigate the aircraft safely and efficiently. The short total flight distance of 2 nautical miles, completed in just 4 minutes, and the minimal fuel consumption of 0 kilograms, further highlighted the aircraft's capabilities.
The Grumman AA-5A Cheetah touched down on runway 05 at EHGG Groningen Airport Eelde with a satisfactory approach quality, demonstrating good control and precision throughout the descent. The aircraft maintained a heading of 27.0° as it descended from 140 feet above ground level (agl) to the threshold, ultimately landing on the runway with a threshold height that met the required standards.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft exhibited a smooth and controlled descent, with a touchdown speed of 44 kt and a rate of -92 fpm, indicating an excellent touchdown characteristic. The touchdown distance of 267 meters was also within acceptable limits, and the aircraft maintained a stable and aligned position on the runway, albeit slightly misaligned by 3.2 meters from the centreline. The local weather conditions, with a temperature of 20°C and a gentle tailwind of 3 kt, contributed to a relatively straightforward landing.
The Grumman AA-5A Cheetah's rollout was characterized by excellent alignment, with the aircraft maintaining a straight path along the centreline. The total landing distance of 414 meters, which accounted for 17% of the runway length, was within acceptable limits. Overall, the landing performance of the Grumman AA-5A Cheetah was satisfactory, with a final score of 93.2%.
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