By c/a1c Farley

APPROACHING TO LAND

THE APPROACH TO THE TRAFFIC PATTERN

• The traffic pattern is rectangular shape.

• Perform the before landing checklist before the beginning of the downwind leg

• Preparations includes flap settings, type of approach and landing, final approach speed, selecting an aiming point, touchdown point.

BEFORE LANDING CHECKLISTFuel selector-- fullest tank before landing.Directional gyro—aligned with magnetic compass.Seatbelts/shoulder harness—secure.Mixture—full rich unless airport above 3,000 feet msl.Cowl flaps--as required.

Final itemsLanding gear—down.Propeller—high rpm.Flaps– as required.

It is good to perform the before landing checklistbecause if you don’t, you might crash or have problems with the jet or airplane.

AIR TRAFFIC PATTERNWhen you are approaching to land you are pointing your nose of the plane to the runway. When you get parallel to the runway you are going on the downwind leg. When you see the runway on your left then you are on the base leg. And when you are pointing directly to the runway then you are on final approach/ glide slope.

FINAL APPROACH/ MAINTAINING THE CORRECT AIRSPEED

• Final approach should be turned at approximately 300 Ft. above the landing area. The airspeed should be properly maintained so you avoid the possibility of a cross-controlled stall. A cross-controlled stall is where you turn too tight and the plane flips over and goes into a barbell-roll pointing downward.

TYPICAL CESSNA 172 APPROACH SETTINGS• On downwind leg

• 1800 rpm, 75 kts

• On base leg

• 1500 rpm, 70 kts

• On final

• Power as required to stay on glide slope, 65 knots