Blog – Glide Approaches 14/04/2024

Today was another of those autumn days where its raining one side of the ranges, and glorious sunshine the other. Lucky for me the sun was on the flying side!

Today was another practice of Glide Approaches and landing Without Power.

Remaining in the circuit, my FI pulled the throttle to idle abeam of the 24 threshold and requested I demonstrate a glide approach and landing.

We are using runway 24, so first off I set the aircraft at best glide speed which for the Tecnam is 68 kts.

Once stable I selected first notch of flaps (10 deg) I then did a gentle turn to base, checking that my aim point (1/3 of the way into the field) was not going up or down in relation to my aircraft. 2nd notch of flap was then applied (20 deg).

Onto final I checked that I would make the field so 3rd notch of flaps applied (full flap). Speed, and distance was all dialled in. I kept asking myself “how does the aim point look? Are we too high, too low or about right?

Today it all clicked and I could bring the aircraft onto a good final.

Once the FI was satisfied, I commenced a climb back to 1000ft agl for a few more.

My FI was pleased with the progress and consistency. So was I.

Today was super satisfying to do consistently good flying. I was a little concerned that would fall into my old bad habits and butcher it, but not today!

I still need to get my feet going more and get more aileron and rudder going for the cross wind. That is what we will look at for next session. A great satisfying session and I came out of the aircraft tired, happy and well trained.

Happy Days!

Until next time…..

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Blog – Glide Approaches 14/04/2024