Peter's Flight Log

Purpose and data recording

I’ve been using a flight data recorder, which is equipped with GPS and several sensors, to capture detailed data from my flights. I then analyze this data with Python scripts and overlay flight instruments onto videos for a comprehensive review. Additionally, I’ve started using CloudAhoy, an online flight analysis application that has been extremely helpful. Even in the absence of video footage, CloudAhoy has provided valuable insights into my flight performance.

Landings Practice

One of the primary areas I’ve been working on is improving my landings, particularly ensuring that the plane touches down on the main wheels first rather than all three wheels simultaneously, which has been a recurring issue. I’m focusing on visual cues, such as looking towards the end of the runway, and using a counting technique to assist with pitching the airplane appropriately during the flare. The goal is to control speed and altitude precisely so that the main wheels touch down softly, protecting the front wheel. While I’ve had some successful landings, consistency remains a work in progress.

Forced Landings in a New Training Area

I’ve also been practicing forced landings, which have presented new challenges as I’m now training in a different environment and with a different school. The new training area at Cessnock has required some adjustments, particularly as I’m now flying a different plane and using slightly different techniques. Previously, I learned the high key/low key method for forced landings, but my current school prefers a spiral descent technique. This approach involves staying close to the chosen landing spot and executing spirals to lose altitude, positioning the plane for a safe landing.

During one of the forced landing attempts, I simulated an engine failure at 2000 feet above the ground. Instead of traveling downwind and estimating the necessary distance to lose altitude before turning into base and final, I used a spiral descent. The Cessna 150, which I was flying, loses between 500 and 800 feet per spiral, providing a reliable way to manage descent. While my first attempt left me too high, subsequent attempts were more successful, allowing me to get comfortable with this technique.

Handling Circuit Traffic and Emergencies

In one of my flights, I practiced managing inbound radio calls and handling circuit traffic. During the approach, we encountered a potential conflict with another plane in the circuit. To resolve this, we executed a steep left turn to allow the other plane to safely turn downwind, followed by another steep turn to re-enter the circuit. Later, to improve separation, we performed a quick steep turn orbit before continuing with normal circuit operations.

Additionally, I practiced circuit emergencies, including simulated engine failures and glide approaches. One notable exercise involved a glide approach without using flaps, which I also repeated during a recent mock RPL test.

The Soft Field Take-off Technique

The main objective of the soft field take-off is to avoid the wheels becoming bogged down in soft surface material, ensuring smooth acceleration and lift-off without damaging the aircraft. Here's the technique:

Mock RPL Test

Flight 61 was intended to be my actual RPL test, but since I postponed the test, we used the flight for further instruction. My instructor assessed my capabilities by having me perform various maneuvers without providing step-by-step guidance. We covered steep turns, where I aimed to minimize altitude loss, and forced landings using the spiral descent technique. The feedback from this flight was invaluable, highlighting areas where I had improved and others that needed more attention.

Simulated Engine Failure and Glide to Landing

In one exercise, I simulated an engine failure at 2000 feet near the airport. From that altitude, I successfully glided the plane all the way back to the runway for a full-stop landing. This exercise was particularly useful in demonstrating the Cessna 150’s glide capabilities and gave me confidence in managing engine-out scenarios.

Steep Turns and Stalls

During my mock RPL test, I also practiced steep turns and stalls. In the steep turns, I focused on minimizing altitude loss, achieving better results compared to earlier flights. For stall practice, I performed both normal stalls and stalls with flaps, simulating a stall on final approach. The key takeaway was how little altitude I lost during these exercises, which is a crucial factor in maintaining control during stall recovery.

Spiral Descent Technique for Forced Landings

In another segment of the mock RPL test, I revisited the spiral descent technique for forced landings. The instructor simulated an engine failure, and I executed a spiral descent to position the plane for landing. This method allows for greater control over descent rate and situational awareness, especially when adjusting to changing conditions like wind. By not strictly adhering to glide speed, I was able to manage the descent more effectively, ensuring a safe approach to the landing field.

Timestamps & Descriptions from the video

00:00 - Introduction and Flight Recap: Overview of recent training flights focused on consolidation and skill improvement. Explanation of decision to postpone the RPL test.

02:09 - Flight Data Recordings: Discussion of using flight data recordings and CloudAhoy for analysis, including how these tools help with reviewing and improving flight techniques.03:29 - Landings Practice: Description of ongoing challenges with landings, particularly improving the technique to ensure smoother main-wheel landings instead of flat landings.

05:09 - Forced Landings Overview: Introduction to practicing forced landings in a new training area with a different school. Comparison between high key/low key and spiral descent techniques.

08:19 - Forced Landing Attempt: Detailed walkthrough of a forced landing attempt using the spiral technique, including analysis of what went well and what needed improvement.

13:07 - Inbound and Circuit Management: Handling inbound radio calls and managing circuit traffic, including a close encounter with another aircraft and performing steep turns for separation.

15:01 - Circuit Emergencies Practice: Practicing simulated engine failures and glide approaches within the circuit, including a successful no-flap landing.

15:42 - Mock RPL Test: Recap of the mock RPL test, covering various maneuvers such as steep turns, stalls, and forced landings, with a focus on minimal altitude loss and overall performance.

21:13 - Simulated Engine Failure at Altitude: Simulation of an engine failure at 2000 feet near the airport and the subsequent glide back to a successful full-stop landing.

24:32 - Spiral Descent for Forced Landings: Demonstration of spiral descent technique during a forced landing scenario, emphasizing control of descent rate and situational awareness.

27:33 - Handling Circuit Overshoot: Explanation of how to manage an overshoot in the circuit using a steep 45-degree turn to regain proper alignment with the runway.

29:07 - Final Remarks: Conclusion of the video with thoughts on the importance of continued practice, particularly for landings and forced landings, and plans for upcoming training sessions.