PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - updraft and downdraft landing in summer (Cessna-152)
Old 10th May 2019, 12:46
  #2 (permalink)  
Pilot DAR
Moderator
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Ontario, Canada
Age: 63
Posts: 5,614
Received 60 Likes on 43 Posts
Welcome Juno Kim,

It is possible to have air simply too violent for a "nice" landing in a light Cessna. You'll find that Cessnas have more control available that you expect, but you have work at it! One thing to remember is that air does not move through the ground. When you get close to the ground, the downdraft will stop, though spitting you out the bottom is still a risk. Fly a flatter approach, and allow yourself a longer [runway distance] flare to settle down before landing - and, you can go around, if you don't like it.

Horizontal air movement at the ground can become a problem, as the downdraft changes direction. If the air is too rough, which can happen with daytime heating in the desert, fly in the morning or evening instead. Otherwise, if you must fly, fly the plane to manage approach speed closely, but don't overwhem yourself trying to keep it right on, it may vary up and down a bit. Approach with less flap out. Change the power less if possible, don't chase speed with power changes.
Pilot DAR is offline