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MY FS FLIGHTS
Flight Score
Improve the touchdown
There are several things that can go wrong during the flare, carrying too much speed over the threshold, starting the flare at the wrong height and inconsistent flight control inputs, all contribute to a poor flare resulting in a hard touchdown or a float down the runway.
Read more in Flare TimingStart to finish · 16 stages, 15 scored
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The threshold, the flare and the hold-off. The approach that led to it is the stabilisation gates below.
Two stabilised approach gates, each with five checks, where the approach path is 1,000 ft and 500 ft above the runway.
At the 1,000 ft gate: sink rate above what the glideslope needed and off the runway's 3° glideslope.
At the 500 ft gate: sink rate above what the glideslope needed and off the runway's 3° glideslope.
The approach, gate by gate
Side view — the last 1,457 m of the approach.
Plan view — the full 1,457 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 96 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The 1.72 G arrival is the firm side of smooth.
The rest of the report
Departing from Zakynthos International Airport Dionysios Solomos, the F-35B Lightning II initiated its departure roll on runway 34, accelerating to a liftoff speed of 216 kt in a distance of 905 m, which accounted for 49% of the available runway length. The aircraft then transitioned into a climb, taking advantage of the favorable headwind conditions, which were 6 kt at 350°. As it ascended from 20 ft above sea level to 28,200 ft, the aircraft covered a distance of 29 nm in just 4 minutes, achieving a remarkable climb rate of 28,180 ft.
Following the initial climb, the aircraft entered a level cruise phase, maintaining an altitude of 28,200 ft for 9 minutes while covering a distance of 80 nm. This was followed by a descent phase, during which the aircraft decreased its altitude from 28,200 ft to 8,800 ft in just 3 minutes, covering a distance of 20 nm. The aircraft then entered another level cruise phase, this time at an altitude of 8,800 ft, and remained at this level for 16 minutes while covering a distance of less than 1 nm. The final descent phase saw the aircraft decrease its altitude from 8,800 ft to 1,586 ft in just 2 minutes, covering a distance of 9 nm.
As the F-35B Lightning II approached Kithira Airport, it initiated its final approach to runway 20 from the north-east, aligning itself with the runway at 1 nm and 502 ft above ground level. The aircraft touched down on the runway at a speed of 126 kt, with a touchdown distance of 101 m, which was well within the acceptable limits. The aircraft's touchdown rate was slightly higher than expected, at -955 fpm, but the runway touchdown alignment was perfect. The total landing distance was 639 m, accounting for 44% of the available runway length. Following the landing, the aircraft rolled out of the runway, maintaining a very good alignment. The total flight distance was 140 nm, and the aircraft consumed 496 kg of fuel during the flight.
The F-35B Lightning II touched down on runway 20 at LGKC Kithira Airport with a satisfactory approach quality, demonstrating good control and precision throughout the descent. The aircraft descended from an altitude of 502 feet above ground level (agl) at a distance of 1 nautical mile from the runway threshold, aligning itself with the runway heading of 208.0°. The approach was characterized by a steady and controlled rate of descent, culminating in a good threshold height.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft exhibited a threshold speed that was slightly below the target value of 135 knots, registering 131 knots. The touchdown distance of 101 meters was within acceptable limits, and the touchdown speed of 126 knots was also satisfactory. However, the touchdown rate was somewhat heavy, with a rate of -955 feet per minute. Notwithstanding this, the runway touchdown alignment was perfect, with the aircraft remaining centered on the runway. The local weather conditions, with a temperature of 24°C and a tailwind of 20 knots, contributed to the overall performance.
The F-35B Lightning II's rollout was characterized by excellent alignment, with the aircraft remaining centered on the runway. The total landing distance of 639 meters, which accounted for 44% of the runway length, was within acceptable limits. Overall, the landing performance of the F-35B Lightning II was satisfactory, with a score of 86.4%. While there were some areas for improvement, such as the heavy touchdown rate, the aircraft demonstrated good control and precision throughout the approach and touchdown phases.
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