Originally Posted by Felix Saddler
im 3 hours into PPL, what advice and useful info could you give me on flying the circuit, particularly base and final (not forgetting flare as everytime i have landed i have bounced)
Hello mate.
As per my previous post.
POWER ATTITUDE TRIM
If the POH can't tell you your instructor can. Set the correct power, fly the right attitude and you WILL fly at the correct speed...then trim it. Remember too that all the prescribed speeds in the POH have a safe working factor added to them. For instance you will not stall if you fly a couple of knots below your final approach speed for a couple of seconds.
Don't fall into the trap of staring at your ASI, because you don't need to if you use the correct power and attitude. Incorporate it into your scan, yes. Scan outside starting behind the left wing, past the nose and behind the right wing, then inside. Check the engine instruments, altimeter, ASI etc. And then start again. Your head should be moving constantly...which leads me on to my next point.
Remember the first rule of airmanship "KEEP A GOOD LOOKOUT". Especially if you're flying in a busy circuit. This helps you with your situational awareness aswell. It will stop you flying into someone else, and will help you get out of the way of someone who's head is inside staring at his ASI.
LANDING.
DON'T be afraid of the ground.
As soon as you turn final stabilise your approach. Configuration, attitude, power, trim and speed should all be steady as soon as possible. Make small corrections as necessary.
Once you're over the threshold ignore the ILS, PAPIs and anything else you were looking at. Ease your nose down a bit to INCREASE very slightly your rate of descent, take off enough power so your speed gradually reduces to your landing speed (if your approach speed and landing speed are different). Between 10 and 20 feet (keep the aeroplane flying towards the runway and don't use your altimeter, this is a judgement call) look at the far end of the runway. This allows your perspective vision to better judge your height. GENTLY check the rate of descent, take off a trickle of power and flare, GENTLY! Arrive!
DON'T be afraid of the ground, DON'T flare too high. DON'T be afraid of the ground, DON'T flare too high.
Keep flying the aeroplane right down and if anything flare later than you think you should. Don't worry, it wont be!
Remember. A good landing is at the correct speed and at the correct place. Not just because it is smooth.