Approaches and Landings Flashcards
Describe a normal approach and landing.
Engine power is available
Winds are light, and in the direction of the runway
There are no obstacles in the approach path
Runway is hard-surfaced, and long enough to permit normal stopping
What are the steps for performing a normal approach?
Establish a normal traffic pattern altitude
Complete pre-landing checklist mid-field, downwind
Reduce power abeam touchdown point
Maintain altitude/pitch momentarily to reduce airspeed
Retrim for airspeed within white arc, and deploy first notch of flaps
Establish initial approach speed (1.4xVso)
At 45* from threshold, clear for traffic and turn base
Extend flaps and retrim for approach speed
Initiate base to final turn to roll out on extended runway centerline
Extend final flaps once field is assured
What are the steps for performing a normal landing?
Extend final flaps once field is assured
Adjust pitch and power to maintain approach path and airspeed
At 5’-10’ above runway, close throttle and begin landing flare
Continue to apply back pressure as airplane decelerates
Land on main wheels first
Brake as necessary
What actions, in addition to normal approach and landing procedures, are necessary to perform a wing-low, crosswind approach and landing?
On final, lower the upwind wing as necessary to control lateral drift
Use opposite rudder to align longitudinal axis with centerline
As airspeed slows during flare, increase control deflections as necessary
After touchdown, slowly increase aileron deflection into the wind
What standards are expected of a student performing a normal or crosswind approach?
Considers wind, landing surface, obstructions
Establishes/maintains recommended approach configuration/airspeed
Maintains stabilized approach at recommended speed (1.3xVso +/-5kts + gust factor)
What standards are expected of students performing a normal or crosswind landing?
Touches down near stall speed, aligned with runway, within 200’ (commercial) or 400’ (student) of intended point
Maintains crosswind correction and directional control
Exercises timely go-around decision
Uses after-landing runway incursion avoidance procedures
Completes appropriate checklists
What are some common student errors in performing normal and crosswind approaches?
Improper/poorly timed configuration of aircraft
Failure to establish/maintain stabilized approach
Incorrect airspeeds for approach segments
Not adjusting power/pitch to control speed/descent rate
Not correcting for wind drift
What are some common student errors in performing normal and crosswind landings?
Removal of hand from throttle
Rounding out too late (results in hard landing, bounce, stall)
Rounding out too high (results in high sink rate, hard landing)
Ballooning (caused by misjudging sink rate/overcontrolling)
Floating (caused by excessive airspeed on final approach)
Bouncing (caused by excessive descent rate on final approach)
Touchdown in a crab (caused by improper wind correction)
Poor directional control after touchdown
Improper use of brakes
Failure to get landing clearance/exit runway correctly
What is a forward slip?
Wing is lowered in direction of slip
Flightpath is maintained by use of opposite rudder
Flightpath is at an angle to the longitudinal axis
What is the purpose of a forward slip to landing?
Dissipate altitude without increasing airspeed
Often used in airplanes without flaps
What are the steps for performing a forward slip?
Reduce power to idle
Lower wing on the side to which the slip is to be made
Simultaneously apply opposite rudder to maintain ground track
Adjust pitch as necessary to maintain airspeed
Simultaneously level wings, reduce opposite rudder, and pitch for glide speed to discontinue slip
Why might instrument errors occur during a forward slip?
Because of the location of the pitot tube/static ports, a slip might disrupt airflow, causing significant instrument errors
What is a sideslip?
Lowering a wing, and applying just enough opposite rudder to prevent a turn
Longitudinal axis remains largely parallel to the flightpath
Why is a sideslip used?
To counteract lateral drift during crosswind approaches and landings
What are the steps for performing a sideslip to a landing?
Align airplane heading with runway centerline
Lower upwind wind enough to counter drift
Apply sufficient opposite rudder to prevent a turn, and maintain heading
Adjust control pressures as necessary to counteract increases/decreases in crosswind speed
Increase control deflections as airspeed decreases in flare
Keep upwind wing down in flare to prevent lateral drift
Touchdown on upwind main wheel first
Maintain full aileron deflection into wind during landing roll
What standards are expected of a student in performing a forward slip to a landing?
Considers wind, landing surface, obstructions
Establishes slipping attitude, adjusts pitch and power as needed
Maintains ground track aligned with runway
Maintains airspeed that results in minimal floating
Makes smooth, timely recovery from slip, roundout, and touchdown
Touches down within 400’ of specified point with no drift
Maintains crosswind correction throughout landing roll
Completes appropriate checklists
