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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 · 15 stages, 14 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 1,234 m of the approach.
Plan view — the full 1,234 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 65 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
The flight began with a departure roll from runway 06 at 4N1 Greenwood Lake. The aircraft, a DA40-XLS, accelerated down the runway and lifted off at a speed of 60 kt, covering a distance of 118 m, which was 11% of the runway length. The local weather conditions at the time of takeoff were characterized by a temperature of 24 °C and a wind speed of 2 kt from a direction of 230 °, resulting in a negligible crosswind and a slight tailwind.
As the aircraft climbed away from the airport, it began its enroute climb, which started overhead 4N1 Greenwood Lake West Milford. The aircraft climbed from an initial altitude of 1,321 ft above sea level to a final altitude of 2,866 ft, an increase of 1,546 ft in just 2 minutes, covering a distance of 3 nm. This rapid climb was achieved in a relatively short period of time, demonstrating the aircraft's ability to efficiently gain altitude.
Following the enroute climb, the aircraft entered a level cruise phase, which lasted for 12 minutes and covered a distance of 14 nm. This cruise phase was initiated 2 miles southwest of West Milford, and the aircraft maintained a steady altitude and airspeed throughout this period.
As the flight progressed, the aircraft began its final approach to runway 22 at KCDW Essex County Airport. The approach was made from the north-east, with the aircraft heading 240.0 ° at a distance of 4 nm from the runway threshold. The aircraft was at an altitude of 1,583 ft above ground level at this point.
The landing on runway 22 was characterized by a good threshold height, with the aircraft touching down at a speed of 48 kt. The touchdown distance was also good, covering a distance of 63 m, which was 19% of the runway length. The touchdown rate was -182 fpm, indicating a smooth and controlled descent. The runway touchdown alignment was very good, and the runway rollout alignment was perfect.
After landing, the aircraft taxied to the parking area, covering a distance of less than 1 nm in just 1 minute. The total flight distance was 21 nm, and the flight duration was 19 minutes. The aircraft used a total of 10 kg of fuel during the flight. Overall, the flight was characterized by a smooth and efficient climb, a steady cruise phase, and a good landing, demonstrating the capabilities of the DA40-XLS aircraft.
The DA40-XLS aircraft successfully landed at KCDW Essex County Airport, achieving a score of 96.2%. The final approach was conducted from the north-east, heading 240.0° at a distance of 4 nautical miles and an altitude of 1,583 feet above ground level (agl). The aircraft demonstrated good control and precision during the approach, ultimately landing safely on runway 22.
The runway at KCDW Essex County Airport has a length of 1,234 meters, providing a suitable surface for the DA40-XLS to touch down. The threshold height was reported as good, indicating that the aircraft was able to maintain a safe distance from the runway threshold. The threshold speed of 50 knots was well below the target speed, which is a positive indication that the pilot was able to manage the aircraft's speed effectively and avoid stalling.
The touchdown distance of 63 meters was considered good, demonstrating the pilot's ability to control the aircraft's descent and touch down at a safe distance from the runway threshold. The touchdown speed of 48 knots was also good, indicating that the pilot was able to manage the aircraft's speed during the landing. The touchdown rate of -182 feet per minute (fpm) was good, suggesting that the pilot was able to control the aircraft's descent and touch down smoothly.
The runway touchdown alignment was very good, indicating that the pilot was able to maintain the aircraft's alignment with the runway during the landing. The local weather conditions at the time of the landing were favorable, with a temperature of 24°C and a wind speed of 2 knots at 230°. The crosswind and headwind components were minimal, at 1 knot each, which did not pose a significant challenge to the pilot.
The total landing distance of 237 meters was 19% of the runway length, which is a relatively short distance. This suggests that the pilot was able to control the aircraft's descent and touch down smoothly, minimizing the amount of runway required for the landing. The runway rollout alignment was perfect, indicating that the pilot was able to maintain the aircraft's alignment with the runway during the rollout phase of the landing. Overall, the DA40-XLS aircraft demonstrated good control and precision during the landing, achieving a high score of 96.2%.
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