Events
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 · 15 stages, 14 scored
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 2,114 m runway, to the same scale as the side view.
The 282 m touchdown sits inside the full-score zone. The arrival was smooth.
The rest of the report
The flight in question was conducted in an Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen, a pioneering aircraft known for its exceptional performance and handling capabilities. The departure roll from runway 25 at EGNT Newcastle Airport was smooth, with a takeoff distance of just 71 meters, which accounted for only 3% of the runway's total length. The aircraft lifted off at a speed of 56 knots, demonstrating its impressive acceleration and lift-off characteristics.
As the aircraft entered the left-hand pattern, it performed a series of precise turns and maneuvers, showcasing its agility and responsiveness. The entry into the pattern from runway 25 was completed in under 1 nautical mile in just 22 seconds, a testament to the pilot's skill and the aircraft's exceptional handling qualities. The subsequent turns and legs of the pattern were also executed with precision, with the aircraft maintaining a steady and controlled flight path.
The pattern downwind turn was completed in 1 nautical mile, with an angle to the runway of 73.7 degrees, while the base leg turn was executed at an angle of 47.9 degrees. The final turn into the runway was completed in under 1 nautical mile in just 31 seconds, demonstrating the aircraft's exceptional maneuverability and control.
The final approach to runway 25 was conducted from the north-east, with the aircraft maintaining a steady heading of 246.0 degrees at an altitude of 192 feet above ground level. The landing was smooth and controlled, with the aircraft touching down at a speed of 32 knots, which was slightly faster than ideal. However, the touchdown rate was perfect at -37 feet per minute, and the runway touchdown alignment was very good.
The total landing distance was 315 meters, which accounted for just 15% of the runway's total length. The runway rollout alignment was also perfect, demonstrating the aircraft's exceptional braking and control characteristics. The total flight distance was 7 nautical miles, which was completed in just 6 minutes, and the aircraft used a remarkably low amount of fuel, with no fuel consumption recorded during the flight.
Overall, the flight in question was a testament to the exceptional performance and handling capabilities of the Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen, as well as the skill and expertise of the pilot. The aircraft's ability to execute precise and controlled maneuvers, combined with its exceptional acceleration and braking characteristics, made it an ideal platform for this flight.
The Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen, a pioneering aircraft, successfully landed at EGNT Newcastle Airport on runway 25. The aircraft approached the runway from the north east, heading 246.0° at an altitude of 192 feet above ground level (agl) and 0 nautical miles from the runway threshold. The pilot demonstrated excellent control and precision during the final approach, resulting in a very good runway touchdown alignment.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft's speed was slightly higher than ideal at 32 knots, but the touchdown distance of 281 meters was well within acceptable limits. The touchdown rate of -37 feet per minute (fpm) was perfect, indicating a smooth and controlled descent. The threshold height was also good, suggesting that the pilot had a clear view of the runway and was able to maintain a safe altitude.
The local weather conditions at the time of landing were favorable, with a temperature of 15°C and a gentle headwind of 2 knots at 270°. The crosswind was minimal at 1 knot, which further contributed to the smooth landing. The total landing distance of 315 meters was only 15% of the runway length, indicating that the pilot had sufficient control and precision to bring the aircraft to a stop quickly and safely.
During the rollout, the aircraft maintained perfect alignment with the runway, demonstrating the pilot's expertise and control. Overall, the landing was a success, with the Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen showcasing its capabilities and the pilot's skills in a challenging environment.
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