Events
Events
Events
Events
Events
MY FS FLIGHTS
Flight Score
Improve the pattern downwind leg
The 45-degrees-behind-the-wing cue assumes you can turn your head and use peripheral vision. Downwind spacing cues like "put the wingtip halfway up the strut" assume a fixed, known eyepoint. Neither survives a monitor unmodified. If you fly on a fixed monitor, stop pretending and fly a numbers-based circuit.
Read more in Pattern WorkStart to finish · 16 stages, 14 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 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.
The 304 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
The flight was conducted in an Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen, a lightweight aircraft designed for recreational flying. The departure from Glasgow Prestwick Airport (EGPK) began with a roll down runway 30, where the aircraft accelerated to a liftoff speed of 36 knots. The takeoff distance was a mere 109 meters, accounting for just 4% of the runway's length.
As the aircraft entered the traffic pattern, it followed a right-hand pattern entry from runway 30. The distance covered during this phase was less than 1 nautical mile in just 24 seconds. The subsequent right-hand pattern crosswind leg was completed in under 1 nautical mile in 7 seconds. The pilot then executed a pattern downwind turn, covering a distance of 1 nautical mile at an angle of 130.7 degrees to the runway.
The downwind leg itself took 54 seconds to complete, covering a distance of 1 nautical mile. The base leg turn was another 1 nautical mile, with the aircraft turning at an angle of 44.9 degrees to the runway. The base leg was then completed in under 1 nautical mile in 21 seconds. The final turn was the shortest, taking just 36 seconds to cover a distance of less than 1 nautical mile.
The final approach to runway 30 was made from the south-east, with the aircraft flying at a heading of 302.0 degrees at an altitude of 299 feet above ground level (agl) and 0 nautical miles from the runway. The landing was smooth, with the aircraft touching down at a speed of 23 knots and a distance of 303 meters. The touchdown rate was an impressive -86 feet per minute, and the runway touchdown alignment was very good.
The local weather conditions at the time of landing were characterized by a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and a wind speed of 2 knots from 270 degrees. The crosswind component was 1 knot, while the headwind component was 2 knots. The total landing distance was 331 meters, accounting for just 12% of the runway's length. The runway rollout alignment was perfect, indicating a smooth and controlled descent.
The flight itself was relatively short, covering a total distance of 4 nautical miles in just 4 minutes. Notably, the aircraft used no fuel during the flight, suggesting that the engine was either shut down or the flight was conducted in a very efficient manner. Overall, the flight was a testament to the Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen's capabilities and the pilot's skill in executing a smooth and controlled landing.
The Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen, a pioneering aircraft, successfully landed at EGPK Glasgow Prestwick Airport on runway 30. The pilot's approach to the runway was precise, with a heading of 302.0° from the south east, at an altitude of 299 feet above ground level (agl) and 0 nautical miles from the runway. This demonstrated excellent control and navigation skills.
Upon landing, the aircraft performed well, with a threshold speed that was significantly above the target, indicating a safe and controlled descent. The touchdown distance of 303 meters was also good, and the touchdown speed of 23 knots was within acceptable limits. The most impressive aspect of the landing was the touchdown rate, which was an excellent -86 feet per minute (fpm). This suggests that the pilot was able to smoothly and gradually bring the aircraft to a stop, minimizing the risk of damage or injury.
The local weather conditions at the time of the landing were favorable, with a temperature of 15°C and a gentle headwind of 2 knots. The crosswind was minimal, at 1 knot, which made the landing even more challenging and impressive. The total landing distance of 331 meters was only 12% of the runway length, indicating that the pilot was able to bring the aircraft to a stop quickly and efficiently.
The runway rollout alignment was perfect, demonstrating the pilot's ability to maintain control of the aircraft even after touchdown. Overall, this landing was a testament to the pilot's skill and experience, as well as the capabilities of the Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen aircraft.
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