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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, 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.
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 3,071 ft of the approach.
Plan view — the full 3,071 ft runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 822 ft touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
The flight departed from Bremgarten Airfield, where a smooth departure roll on runway 05 was executed at a relatively low energy state, with a takeoff distance of 785 feet, which accounted for just 13% of the runway length. The aircraft lifted off at a speed of 59 knots, and the local weather conditions, with a temperature of 60°F and a moderate headwind of 8 knots, contributed to a stable and controlled takeoff.
Following the departure, the aircraft transitioned into a series of enroute level cruises and climbs, navigating through the German and Swiss airspace. Notably, the climb from 1,449 feet to 1,991 feet, an increase of 542 feet, was achieved in just 2 minutes, while the subsequent climb from 2,539 feet to 3,310 feet, an increase of 771 feet, was accomplished in the same timeframe. These climbs demonstrated the aircraft's ability to efficiently gain altitude in a relatively short period. The enroute level cruises, which lasted for various durations, allowed the aircraft to maintain a stable altitude and cover significant distances, including a notable 69-nautical-mile segment.
The flight concluded with a right-hand pattern entry and a final approach to runway 30 at Konstanz Airfield, where the aircraft landed with a touchdown distance of 812 feet, which was 34% of the runway length. The touchdown speed of 40 knots and the smooth touchdown rate of -108 feet per minute indicated a well-executed landing. The total landing distance of 1,059 feet and the excellent runway rollout alignment further highlighted the pilot's skill and control throughout the approach and landing phases. The flight ultimately covered a total distance of 94 nautical miles, consuming 47 pounds of fuel, and lasted for 55 minutes.
The final approach to runway 30 at EDTZ Konstanz Airfield from the east was executed with precision, with the aircraft maintaining a heading of 297.0° at 0 nm and 111 ft above ground level. The approach quality was excellent, with a good threshold height achieved. However, the threshold speed was slightly below the target at 49 kt, indicating a slight deviation from the ideal approach speed.
As the aircraft touched down on the runway, the touchdown distance was good at 812 ft, and the touchdown speed of 40 kt was within the acceptable range. The touchdown rate was smooth at -108 fpm, indicating a controlled descent. The runway touchdown alignment was perfect, with the aircraft centered on the runway. The local weather conditions, with a temperature of 59°F and a wind of 10 kt at 10°, contributed to a relatively straightforward landing. The crosswind component of 10 kt was effectively managed, and the headwind of 3 kt helped to reduce the landing distance.
The total landing distance of 1,059 ft was 34% of the runway length, indicating a good balance between touchdown distance and rollout performance. The runway rollout alignment was very good, with the aircraft maintaining its centerline alignment throughout the rollout phase. Overall, the landing was executed with a high degree of precision and control, resulting in a score of 96.9%.
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