Teaching the Glide Approach in elementary training aircraft.
There are several schools of thought on teaching the glide approach in elementary training aircraft such as the C172, Warrior et al. One technique is to cut the throttle just before base and treat it as a forced landing without power. This has the disadvantage of cutting off aircraft ahead of you as the aim of the exercise is lost if you cannot get an unobstructed glide.
The second technique is to turn base normally then when in level flight on base and a comfortable glide can be made, simply close the throttle and take it from there. If an undershoot becomes apparent, open the power to level flight and after intercepting the glide angle, cut the power and glide in. This latter technique has the advantage of being able to accommodate other circuit traffic.
For example, if you are on extended downwind due traffic ahead, you delay throttle closure until either turning final or even on final while holding level flight. In all cases the aim of the exercise is to become competent at judging the glide angle and enables this judgement to be later applied to a forced landing without power. Your suggestions as to which method you have been taught during your elementary flying training would be greatly appreciated.
Finally, if full flap has been used during the glide approach on final and it becomes apparent an undershoot is occurring then clearly you are in potentially serious trouble. Depending on the aircraft type then it may be necessary to retract the flaps to a new setting to reduce the drag with extended flap. This should only be considered if the margin between stalling speed with flaps up and flaps down is typically 5 to 7 knots and the airspeed is appropriate at the time. It can make all the difference between landing short of the field or just getting in.
Again, your comments would be appreciated. Remember the old saying "there are many ways to skin a cat", and it is important as an instructor not to be pedantic when it comes to differing ways of flying an aeroplane.