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MY FS FLIGHTS
Flight Score
Improve the pattern crosswind leg
The one change that would have gained the most on this flight, and the guide passage for it.
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 · 15 stages, 13 scored
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One stabilised approach gate for a circuit: six checks at the point nearest 500 ft above the runway after the base turn. The 1,000 ft gate is an instrument-approach check and does not apply.
The approach, gate by gate
Side view — the last 4,371 ft of the approach.
Plan view — the full 4,371 ft runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 1,232 ft touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
The flight in question was conducted in a Piper PA28-236 Dakota aircraft, registered as N3030Q. The aircraft taxied from the parking area to the runway, a distance of less than 1 nautical mile, in just 3 minutes. This brief taxiing period was a testament to the efficiency of the pre-flight preparations.
As the aircraft prepared for departure, it rolled down runway 29 at the Crested Butte Airpark. The takeoff distance covered 1,531 feet, which accounted for 35% of the runway's total length. The liftoff speed was achieved at 66 knots, marking the beginning of the flight.
The local weather conditions at the time of departure were characterized by a temperature of 47°F and a gentle wind of 4 knots blowing from a direction of 284°. This resulted in a crosswind of 1 knot and a headwind of 4 knots, which presented a manageable challenge for the pilot.
Following departure, the aircraft entered a left-hand pattern, navigating a distance of less than 1 nautical mile in just 23 seconds. This swift entry into the pattern demonstrated the pilot's skill and familiarity with the aircraft. The subsequent left-hand pattern crosswind leg also covered a distance of less than 1 nautical mile in 23 seconds, showcasing the pilot's ability to handle the crosswind conditions.
As the aircraft progressed through the pattern, it executed a downwind turn, covering a distance of 1 nautical mile at an angle of 64.8° to the runway. The downwind leg itself spanned 2 nautical miles in 60 seconds, providing the pilot with ample time to assess the aircraft's performance and adjust the approach as needed.
The base leg turn, which covered a distance of 2 nautical miles, was executed at an angle of 11.7° to the runway. This precise maneuver set the stage for a smooth final approach.
The final approach to runway 29 was conducted from the southeast, heading 303.0°, at an altitude of 472 feet above ground level (agl) and a distance of 1 nautical mile from the runway. The landing was executed on the runway, which had a length of 4,371 feet. The threshold height was good, and the threshold speed was achieved at 78 knots.
The touchdown distance was satisfactory, covering 1,229 feet, and the touchdown speed was 66 knots. The touchdown rate was excellent, with a rate of -87 feet per minute (fpm). The runway touchdown alignment was very good, indicating a precise and controlled landing.
The total landing distance was 2,235 feet, accounting for 51% of the runway's length. The runway rollout alignment was perfect, demonstrating the pilot's skill in bringing the aircraft to a stop in a controlled and safe manner.
In conclusion, the flight was a testament to the pilot's expertise and the aircraft's performance. The total flight distance was 8 nautical miles, and the flight duration was 7 minutes. The aircraft used 4 pounds of fuel during the flight, highlighting its efficiency and economy.
The Piper PA28-236 Dakota aircraft, registered as N3030Q, successfully landed at the Crested Butte Airpark, scoring a high 96.0% on its final approach. The aircraft was approaching the runway from the southeast, heading 303.0° at a distance of 1 nautical mile and an altitude of 472 feet above ground level (agl).
The pilot executed a precise final approach, touching down on runway 29 at the Crested Butte Airpark, which has a length of 4,371 feet. The threshold height was good, indicating that the aircraft was at the correct altitude as it approached the runway. The threshold speed of 78 knots was also maintained, demonstrating the pilot's control and precision.
The touchdown distance of 1,229 feet was within acceptable limits, and the touchdown speed of 66 knots was also satisfactory. The most impressive aspect of the landing was the touchdown rate, which was an excellent -87 feet per minute (fpm). This indicates that the aircraft was brought to a stop quickly and smoothly, with minimal impact on the landing gear.
The runway touchdown alignment was very good, suggesting that the pilot had maintained a steady course and was well-aligned with the runway. The local weather conditions at the time of the landing were favorable, with a temperature of 47°F and a gentle wind of 4 knots from 279°. The crosswind component was minimal at 2 knots, and the headwind component was 3 knots, which helped to stabilize the aircraft during the landing.
The total landing distance of 2,235 feet was 51% of the runway length, which is a reasonable distance considering the aircraft's size and weight. The runway rollout alignment was perfect, indicating that the pilot had maintained control of the aircraft during the rollout and had brought it to a stop smoothly and safely. Overall, the landing was a success, with the pilot demonstrating excellent skills and control throughout the approach and landing phases.
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