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 · 7 stages, 7 scored
Events
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 1,524 m of the approach.
Plan view — the first 1,524 m of the 1,786 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 240 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
Departing from Cotswold Airport (EGBP), the Cessna C195 began its takeoff roll on runway 08, accelerating to a liftoff speed of 96 kt. The aircraft utilized 73% of the available runway length, covering a distance of 1,178 m before lifting off into the air. Local conditions were favorable, with a temperature of 16 °C and a gentle tailwind of 1 kt from a direction of 270°.
As the aircraft climbed away from the airport, it transitioned into the enroute phase, passing overhead Kemble, Gloucestershire. The climb was initiated from an altitude of 666 ft asl, with a steady increase of 151 ft over a period of 1 minute, covering a distance of 2 nm. The aircraft continued to ascend, eventually reaching a cruising altitude. The final approach to runway 26 at EGBP was initiated from the east, with the aircraft descending from an altitude of 88 ft agl, heading 260.0°.
The Cessna C195 touched down on runway 26, utilizing 238 m of the available 1,618 m runway length. The touchdown speed of 79 kt was slightly above the target, but the touchdown rate of -36 fpm was well within acceptable limits. The runway touchdown alignment was also perfect, indicating a high degree of control and precision during the landing phase. The total flight distance of 3 nm was completed in 2 minutes, with a fuel consumption of 1 kg.
The final approach to runway 26 at EGBP Cotswold Airport from the east, heading 260.0°, commenced at 0 nm and 88 ft above ground level. The aircraft maintained a stable and controlled descent throughout the approach, with a good threshold height achieved. However, the threshold speed was slightly above the target, reaching 81 kt.
As the aircraft touched down on the runway, the touchdown distance was satisfactory at 238 m, but the touchdown speed of 79 kt was a fraction above the desired value. Notably, the touchdown rate was perfectly controlled at -36 fpm, indicating a smooth and stable landing. The aircraft remained aligned with the centreline of the runway, demonstrating precise control and a high degree of skill. The local weather conditions, with a temperature of 16 °C and a gentle headwind of 1 kt, contributed to a stable and predictable approach.
The overall performance of the landing was exceptional, with a score of 98.0% achieved. The aircraft's ability to maintain a stable approach and touchdown, combined with precise control and a smooth rollout, showcased the pilot's expertise and skill. The landing was a testament to the aircraft's capabilities and the pilot's ability to adapt to the given weather conditions.
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