Events
Events
Events
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Events
MY FS FLIGHTS
Flight Score
Know your rotation speed
A typical trainer rotates in the mid-50s of knots - a 172 at around 55 KIAS, climbing out at a Vy in the low 70s, though check your own POH rather than memorising Cessna's numbers - and the transferable rule is that Vr sits just above the stall speed in takeoff configuration. Rotate early because "it felt ready" and the aircraft lifts off inside ground effect, where induced drag is reduced, then climbs out of it into more drag. On a marginal-performance day the result is an aircraft that lifts off and then refuses to climb, sagging back towards the runway.
Read more in Improve Your Take-OffsStart to finish · 17 stages, 16 scored
Events
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.
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 70 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
The flight began with a departure roll from runway 28 at KCDW Essex County Airport, where the Cessna Skyhawk took off with a takeoff distance of 59 meters, which accounted for 7% of the runway. The liftoff speed was 45 knots, and the aircraft was able to lift off the ground quickly.
As the aircraft entered the traffic pattern, it followed a right-hand pattern entry from runway 28, completing the maneuver in less than 1 nautical mile in 8 seconds. The right-hand pattern crosswind was also executed, taking 34 seconds to complete the distance of less than 1 nautical mile. The pattern downwind turn was a significant part of the flight, with the aircraft covering a distance of 1 nautical mile at an angle of 76.0 degrees to the runway.
The downwind leg of the pattern was 2 nautical miles long and took 75 seconds to complete. The base leg turn was another critical part of the flight, with the aircraft covering a distance of 2 nautical miles at an angle of 23.2 degrees to the runway. The base leg itself was less than 1 nautical mile long and took 12 seconds to complete. The final turn was also executed quickly, taking 26 seconds to cover a distance of less than 1 nautical mile.
The final approach to runway 28 was made from the east, with the aircraft heading 268.0 degrees at 1 nautical mile and 617 feet above ground level. The landing was smooth, with the touchdown distance being 68 meters, which was well within the target range. The touchdown speed was 39 knots, and the touchdown rate was -170 feet per minute, indicating a good landing.
The total landing distance was 141 meters, which accounted for 17% of the runway. The runway rollout alignment was perfect, and the aircraft was able to taxi to the parking area in less than 1 minute, covering a distance of less than 1 nautical mile. The total flight distance was 6 nautical miles, and the flight took 8 minutes to complete, using 1 kilogram of fuel.
The Cessna Skyhawk successfully landed at KCDW Essex County Airport, achieving a score of 95.2%. The aircraft approached the runway from the east, heading 268.0° at 1 nm and 617 ft above ground level (agl). The pilot demonstrated excellent control and precision during the final approach, ensuring a smooth and safe landing.
Upon landing, the aircraft touched down on the runway at a speed of 39 kt, which was well within the target range. The touchdown distance of 68 m was also satisfactory, indicating that the pilot had sufficient control over the aircraft's descent. The touchdown rate of -170 fpm was within the acceptable limits, further emphasizing the pilot's skill and expertise.
The local weather conditions at the time of landing were favorable, with a temperature of 31 °C and a gentle wind of 4 kt at 300°. The crosswind component was minimal at 2 kt, while the headwind component was 3 kt, which helped to stabilize the aircraft during the landing. The runway length of 827 m was sufficient for the aircraft to come to a stop, with the total landing distance being 141 m, which is only 17% of the runway length.
The pilot's performance during the landing was exemplary, with perfect runway touchdown alignment and rollout alignment. The threshold height was also well maintained, and the threshold speed of 44 kt was below the target range, indicating that the pilot was cautious and aware of the risk of stalling. Overall, the landing was a testament to the pilot's skill and experience, and the Cessna Skyhawk's reliability and performance.
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