Diversion

Figure out where you are
Fly around the point (left turns if possible so that you can look out)
Circle point of start (circling) and point of destination
Draw straight line from start to destination
Estimate heading using VOR Compass Rose on map
Estimate distance (finger width is 5 KTS)
Estimate time (distance x 2/3)
Fuel Enough ? (6 gal./ hour)
Mark half way point
Set heading indicator while on level flight
Go to center of start point and turn to heading making note of time
Set Throttle at cruise
Call Flight service and let them know of diversion

Performance Landings

Performance Landings

During this time when the student is practicing solo takeoffs and landings, instructor time with the student is spent on teaching the student what is called performance takeoffs and landings: soft field, short field, soft/short field with obstacle:

Short Field

Leave power on for an extra 5-10 sec. when turing base to give yourself a higher approach
Put down full flaps either mid/turn-final
Aim at point slightly before target touchpoint (to allow for flare)
With full flap, speeds to be at 65 KIAS on final slowing to 55 KIAS over numbers at power to idle
Touchdown firmly and almost flat
On runway, apply max breaking and retract flaps to provide tire friction
Call out "simulated heavy braking" for simulation

Soft Field

Approach as in Short Field
Add touch of power to minimize rate of descent
Hold aileron off the runway for as long as possibe, so that it gently settles on main gear
Hold nosewheel off for as long as you can and let it settle to ground when you want to
Do NOT apply any brakes, let the plane slow down on its own
For training purposes, brake normally once excercise is complete

Short Field with Obstacle

Same as Short Field, except clear obstacle by at least 25 feet

Cross Wind Landings

There are many complex manoeuvres in flying - crosswind landings is one of them. Shifts in wind will challenge your ability to bring the plane to a smooth and centered touch down, something that is a matter of safety.

- Remember the cross wind limitation of the aircraft 1/4th of plane stall speed (13 KIAS for a Cessna 152 which has a stall speed of 52 KIAS)
- Remember rules of thumb for how much cross-wind to expect:
20 degrees off the runway – 25%
40 degrees off the runway – 50%
60 degrees off the runway – 75%
90 degrees off the runway – 100%
i.e. if it is 250/20 off runway 27, the wind is 20 degrees to the left of the runway, so the cross wind is 5 KTS.
- If the winds are gusting, approach at an increased speed of ½ the gust factor. i.e. if it is 20 gusting 30, and you would normally approach at 65 KTS, you would approach at 70 KTS (i.e. 30-20 / 2 + 65 KTS)

- Landing with flaps is more prone to being affected due to x-wind
- Crab into wind while approaching runway (the wing that is in the path of wind should be dropped slightly so that it doesn't behave as a sail)
- Correct longitudinal alignment with runway using rudder
- Crosswind correction should be done only when close to runway
- Do whatever it takes to align runway using rudder (floor rudder if required) and aileron
- Always maintain landing speed: 65 KIAS (flap), 70 KIAS (flapless)
- The wheel that is in the path of the wind should touch the runway first
- GO AROUND if REQUIRED

Performance Takeoffs

Performance Takeoffs

During this time when the student is practicing solo takeoffs and landings, instructor time with the student is spent on teaching the student what is called performance takeoffs and landings: soft field, short field, soft/short field with obstacle:

Short Field Take-Off

Flaps 10 degrees
Request “backtrack with short delay”
Backtrack to end of runway and line up with centerline (ensuring that nosewheel is straight)
Apply full power against brakes and hold control column back (not too far back)
Release brakes and let aircraft lift off by itself
Level off in ground effect (1 wingspan max)
Accelerate to 55 KIAS and rotate out of ground effect to climbout at 68 KIAS
REMEMBER to RETRACT YOUR FLAPS at SAFE ALTITUDE

Soft Field Take Off

Flaps 10 degrees
Request “Take off on the roll”
Apply full back pressure and taxi onto runway using NO BRAKES
As you line up (making sure nosewheel is straight) apply full power
Let plane lift off on its own and remain in ground effect and rotate out at 55 KIAS climb out at 68 KIAS
REMEMBER to RETRACT YOUR FLAPS at SAFE ALTITUDE

Short Field with Obstacle take off

Flaps at 0 degrees
Request “backtrack with short delay
Backtrack and line up, making sure nosewheel is straight
Apply full power against the breaks (not holding control column back)
Release brakes and accelerate to 55 KIAS, rotate and climb out at 56 KIAS
When clear of Obstacle, transition to 68 KIAS climb speed