Events
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 · 13 stages, 12 scored
Events
Events
Two stabilised approach gates, each with six checks at 1,000 ft and 500 ft above the runway.
The approach, gate by gate
Side view — the last 1,524 m of the approach.
Plan view — the first 1,524 m of the 2,737 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
Touched down 776 m past the threshold — beyond the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
The Velocity XL aircraft departed from runway 30 at EGPK Glasgow Prestwick Airport, rolling down the runway for a takeoff distance of 101 meters, which accounted for 4% of the runway's length. The aircraft lifted off at a speed of 111 knots, and the local weather conditions at the time of takeoff were characterized by a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and a gentle wind of 1 knot blowing from a direction of 269 degrees. This resulted in a negligible crosswind and headwind component.
As the aircraft climbed to a higher altitude, it began its enroute climb overhead Monkton, a location in South Ayrshire, Scotland. During this phase, the aircraft ascended from an initial altitude of 1,081 feet above sea level to a final altitude of 1,839 feet, representing an increase of 759 feet in just 4 minutes. The aircraft covered a distance of 3 nautical miles during this climb.
Upon reaching the desired altitude, the aircraft began its final approach to runway 12 at EGPK Glasgow Prestwick Airport, which was located to the north-west. The aircraft was heading in a direction of 122.0 degrees and was 3 nautical miles away from the runway at an altitude of 1,746 feet above ground level.
The landing phase of the flight was notable for a few factors. The threshold speed was slightly higher than desired at 97 knots, but the touchdown speed of 65 knots was good, and the touchdown rate of -9 feet per minute was perfect. The runway touchdown alignment was also very good, indicating a smooth and controlled descent. The local weather conditions remained the same as during takeoff, with a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and a gentle wind of 1 knot blowing from a direction of 269 degrees.
The aircraft landed 338 meters beyond the touchdown zone, and the total landing distance was 1,115 meters, which accounted for 41% of the runway's length. The runway rollout alignment was perfect, indicating a smooth and controlled deceleration of the aircraft after touchdown. The total flight distance was 7 nautical miles, and the flight duration was 6 minutes, during which the aircraft consumed 2 kilograms of fuel.
The Aircraft Velocity XL successfully landed on runway 12 at EGPK Glasgow Prestwick Airport, achieving a score of 92.2%. The aircraft approached the runway from the north-west, heading 122.0° at a distance of 3 nautical miles and an altitude of 1,746 feet above ground level.
Upon landing, the aircraft touched down 338 meters beyond the designated touchdown zone, which is a relatively minor deviation. However, the touchdown speed of 65 knots was within the acceptable range, indicating a smooth and controlled descent. The touchdown rate of -9 feet per minute was also perfect, demonstrating excellent control and precision.
The local weather conditions at the time of landing were favorable, with a temperature of 15°C and a gentle wind of 1 knot from 269°. This resulted in a negligible crosswind and tailwind, which contributed to the smooth landing.
One area for improvement identified during the landing was the threshold speed, which was too high at 97 knots. This suggests that the pilot may have been able to make adjustments to the approach to achieve a more optimal speed.
The total landing distance of 1,115 meters was 41% of the runway length, which is a relatively efficient use of the available runway. The runway rollout alignment was also perfect, indicating that the aircraft was well under control during the post-landing phase.
Overall, the Aircraft Velocity XL demonstrated excellent landing skills, with a few minor areas for improvement. The pilot's ability to navigate the aircraft through the approach and landing phases with precision and control is a testament to their expertise and training.
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