huv wrote:
I agree that the altimeter should not be used for training final approaches, neither normal approaches nor emergency ones.
…because under the stress of an emergency, your angular estimate of the height above the field will have the same accuracy as one or both of the altimeters ?
As to the height, 1000ft AGL abeam the numbers downwind is naturally just as good as 2000ft AGL above the numbers.
I would still – and in particular without the option of a go around – have the preference to get a visual right in the landing direction before going down there. Just personal choice.
Peter wrote:
You also have S turns. Very effective and any type can do them safely.
I would not necessarily trust myself to fly several turns properly, in a situation when the natural instinct is slow down and thus for myself consider this an increase of the risk of a stall (which happens too often in engine trouble situations). Flying a pattern profile is done moreoften, no/limited increase of risk)
when once on final would be a min. flaps approch be the 1st option – to have the “more flaps” option as a “tool to adjust” ?
As an aside, ForeFlight has a great glide range tool. Essentially, you define the glide ratio of your airplane and it then draws a line around your glide range. Importantly, it takes terrain elevation and winds into account!
Long ago I flew with Rufus Heald who taught me dead engine landing the RAF way. If memory stands, he said that I have to look at my touch down point at an angle of 45 degrees. As the altitude is reduces there is a need to move closer to the touch down point.
When we flew it at Exeter airport, I closed the throttle at 2000’ at the beginning of the down wind leg and kept the 45 degrees all the way down and this also dictates the turning point to base and final.
Ben wrote:
and kept the 45 degrees all the way down and this also dictates the turning point to base and final.
That may work on a low-wing aircraft, it won’t on a Cessna (or other high wing).
172driver wrote:
As an aside, ForeFlight has a great glide range tool. Essentially, you define the glide ratio of your airplane and it then draws a line around your glide range. Importantly, it takes terrain elevation and winds into account!I believe they copied that idea from SkyDemon…
That idea is actually very very old. And the range circle is largely bogus given that the tablet has no idea of the actual wind. At best, it will pull in the GFS forecast before you take off, assuming there is a working internet connection (not many tablet users have a SIM card in their tablet, etc…). Also the range is terrain elevation dependent so it may be a complex shape.
Peter wrote:
That idea is actually very very old. And the range circle is largely bogus given that the tablet has no idea of the actual wind. At best, it will pull in the GFS forecast before you take off, assuming there is a working internet connection (not many tablet users have a SIM card in their tablet, etc…). Also the range is terrain elevation dependent so it may be a complex shape.
So? GFS isn’t going to be too far wrong….better than nothing…. and yes, terrain is tanken into account…as does FF…