Blog – FLWOP 29/04/2023
Another fantastic Autumn day with a light NE breeze.
The outgoing journey was all about vacating the aerodrome to a specified height, making the correct radio calls at specific waypoints, and arriving at the northern training area around Bennet’s Hill. Whilst this is only 5nm away it still makes for a good introduction to this vital task.
On arrival at the training area, I did H.A.S.E.L checks before commencing a basic stall without power. This was executed with no fuss and not much loss of height. A good start to the session.
Once this was completed my FI pulled the throttle to idle at 3000 ft and requested I demonstrate a forced landing without power.
First off is setting the aircraft at best glide speed which for the Tecnam is 68 kts. I selected a field with good size, shape, slope, and in the direction of the wind and commenced to my 1500 foot area which is approximately 45 degrees from the upwind end of the field. I managed to reach this area at around 2500ft so I descended in a gentle circle until I came out at 1500 ft. I then tracked downwind keeping the field out my left window to my 1000ft point which is abeam of the threshold. I then did a gentle turn to base and then onto final still with no flap employed. At this point my FI was satisfied and I commenced a climb back to 3000ft. He then critiqued my FLWOP.
I chose a good field with the exception that about two thirds of it was visibly wet so not the best choice. Also my reference points were not the easiest to locate. Not bad considering it has been some time between doing this task. My FI then demonstrated a FLWOP and I then chose the same field and reference points to try and emulate his demonstration. I managed to do this to his satisfaction I will take that as a win.
We then flew towards home base to practice the standard over head join. This procedure I basically botched as I entered using right hand track rather than left hand as I already knew the active runway was 06 which is all right handed. However the correct method is to do a left hand entry to have the field on you left so that you can see any activity, windsocks and then make a decision on what direction you will land. I had to go around on my first attempt as I was still to high and too close to the field. Second time was much better and I managed a fairly good landing.
Another good solid session and I came out of the aircraft tired, happy and well trained.
Next time we plan on a repeat to see how much I improve and how much has been retained.
Happy days!
Aircraft: ZK-DOY (Tecnam P2002 Sierra)
Total Time: 1.0
Landings: 1
Go-arounds: 1
Visual Approaches: 2
Until next time….
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Blog – Circuits 29/04/2023