NORMAL LANDING

Description

Approach and landing with headwind or light wind, hard surface of sufficient length and no obstructions.

Objective

To teach techniques necessary for a normal landing.

Elements

·         Clear the area

·         Choose forced landing area (should be runway)

·         Configure aircraft for pattern entry (C172RG: 18” Hg, 2500 RPM, 90 KIAS)

·         Select outside references (e.g. runway numbers)

·         Enter downwind, maintaining traffic pattern altitude (typically 1000’ AGL)

·         Configure aircraft for approach: CCGUMPS check: Cowl flaps closed, Carburetor heat on, Gas (fuel to both), Undercarriage (gear extended), Mixture (full rich), Propeller (full RPM), Switches (lights as necessary)

·         Abeam touchdown point, power and pitch for approach (C172RG: 15” Hg, 85 KIAS)

·         First notch of flaps (C172RG: 10º)

·         Coordinated turn to base (≤30° bank), when reference point is 45° behind the wing

·         On base: second notch of flaps, begin to slow for final (C172RG: 20º, 75 KIAS)

·         Clear area, then turn to final (≤30° bank)

·         On final: remaining flaps (C172RG: 30º) when runway is assured, CCGUMPS check

·         Select aim point (e.g. before runway numbers)

·         Adjust pitch and power to maintain normal approach speed and descent angle (C172RG: 65 KIAS)

·         Trim to relieve control pressures

·         Make sure feet are not on brakes

·         10-20’ off ground: reduce throttle to idle

·         Gradually apply back pressure to pitch for landing attitude, attempting to fly just above runway (fly in ground effect) straight-and-level until passing aim point, then continue adjusting pitch for climb attitude just above horizon

·         Touchdown on main gear just above stalling speed

·         Maintain pitch attitude for aerodynamic braking

·         Gradually relax back pressure to lower nose wheel

·         Gentle braking as required

 

Include a discussion on performance charts and other landing scenarios. Keep one hand on throttle.

Common Errors

·         Inadequate wind drift correction on the base leg

·         Overshooting or undershooting the turn onto final approach resulting in too steep or too shallow a turn onto final approach

·         Flat or skidding turns from base leg to final approach as a result of overshooting/inadequate wind drift correction

·         Poor coordination during turn from base to final approach

·         Failure to complete the landing checklist in a timely manner

·         Unstabilized approach

·         Failure to adequately compensate for flap extension

·         Poor trim technique on final approach

·         Attempting to maintain altitude or reach the runway using elevator alone

·         Focusing too close to the airplane resulting in a too high roundout

·         Focusing too far from the airplane resulting in a too low roundout

·         Touching down prior to attaining proper landing attitude

·         Failure to hold sufficient back-elevator pressure after touchdown

·         Excessive braking after touchdown

References

FAA-H-8083-3A Airplane Flying Handbook p. 8-1