Events
Events
MY FS FLIGHTS
Flight Score
Maintain the centreline
A small uncorrected heading error at 40 knots becomes a metre of offset per second by 100 knots, noticed only at rotation, producing a crabbed liftoff. Root cause is nearly always eyes on the tape instead of the far end of the runway. Small heading changes displace a distant point visibly long before the nearby centreline stripes look wrong.
Read more in Improve Your Take-OffsStart to finish · 9 stages, 8 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 548 m of the approach.
Plan view — the full 548 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 184 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
The VL-3 915 aircraft departed from runway 08 at LSPV Wangen-Lachen Airfield, a small airfield located in Wangen, Kanton Schwyz, Switzerland. The takeoff roll was smooth, covering 60% of the 548-meter runway, and the aircraft lifted off at a speed of 57 knots. The local weather conditions at the time of departure were characterized by a temperature of 9 degrees Celsius and a gentle wind blowing at 3 knots from a direction of 130 degrees, resulting in a crosswind of 3 knots and a headwind of 2 knots.
As the aircraft climbed away from the airfield, it began its enroute climb, reaching an altitude of 2,220 feet above sea level, an increase of 151 feet from the initial altitude of 2,069 feet. This climb was achieved in just 2 minutes, covering a distance of 4 nautical miles. The aircraft then began its final approach to runway 08, heading in a westerly direction at an altitude of 875 feet above ground level.
Upon reaching the final approach phase, the aircraft was at a distance of 0 nautical miles from the runway threshold, with a good threshold height and a threshold speed that was well above the target speed of 57 knots. The touchdown distance was also good, covering 183 meters of the runway, and the touchdown speed was 48 knots, which was slightly faster than desired. However, the touchdown rate was excellent, at -71 feet per minute, and the runway touchdown alignment was perfect.
The local weather conditions at the time of landing were similar to those at departure, with a temperature of 9 degrees Celsius and a gentle wind blowing at 2 knots from a direction of 40 degrees, resulting in a crosswind of 1 knot and a headwind of 2 knots. The total landing distance was 376 meters, covering 69% of the runway, and the runway rollout alignment was very good.
In conclusion, the VL-3 915 aircraft performed a smooth and efficient flight, covering a total distance of 5 nautical miles in just 3 minutes, and using only 1 kilogram of fuel. The aircraft's performance was impressive, with a good takeoff and landing distance, and excellent touchdown rate and runway alignment.
The aircraft, VL-3 915, successfully landed at LSPV Wangen-Lachen Airfield, achieving a score of 96.7%. The final approach was conducted from the west, heading 79.0° at an altitude of 875 feet above ground level (agl) and 0 nautical miles from the runway. The aircraft maintained a good threshold height, which is a crucial aspect of a safe landing.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft's threshold speed was significantly above the target speed, indicating a controlled descent. The touchdown distance of 183 meters was also within acceptable limits, demonstrating the pilot's ability to manage the aircraft's speed and altitude. However, the touchdown speed of 48 knots was slightly faster than desired, which may have contributed to a slightly higher rate of descent.
Despite the slightly high touchdown speed, the aircraft's rate of descent was excellent, at -71 feet per minute. This indicates that the pilot was able to maintain control of the aircraft's descent and touchdown, even in the presence of a slightly faster speed. The runway touchdown alignment was perfect, which is a testament to the pilot's skill and attention to detail.
The local weather conditions at the time of the landing were favorable, with a temperature of 9°C and a gentle headwind of 2 knots. The crosswind was minimal, at 1 knot, which further contributed to a smooth and controlled landing. The total landing distance of 376 meters was 69% of the runway length, which is a reasonable distance considering the aircraft's size and weight.
Finally, the runway rollout alignment was very good, indicating that the pilot was able to maintain control of the aircraft's speed and direction during the rollout phase. Overall, the landing was a success, with the aircraft touching down safely and the pilot demonstrating excellent control and skill.
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