PPL | Lesson #33 | 04-07-2019 | Revision: Circuits, Glide Approaches, EFATO and Full Flap Landings

My Skills Test is now booked for 18th July, just 2 weeks away! Today’s lesson involved circuit revision, glide approaches and EFATO practice.

I had a couple of things to take away from this lesson. The first was during my first circuit and full flap landing, I was asked to initiate a low-level go-around, where I ended up retracting too much flap, too close to the ground. Had I been any slower or experienced any sink, this could have ended badly. The process should have been full power, achieve a positive rate of climb then remove each stage gradually as I gain height.

The second thing I will need to work on after this lesson is speed control during the different approach configurations. On the second circuit and landing which I was asked to complete flapless (simulating a cable break) my speed was too low which meant my nose was high and visibility was reduced. We had another go following an EFATO and managed to keep much better control of my speed.

This was followed by a glide approach from 1500ft which I’ve always enjoyed. I love the challenge of just removing all the power and using my judgement to glide onto the runway. Finally, we end the lesson with a short field landing onto the grass. Keeping it low and slow on the power allows you to really keep the airspeed down and pinpoint your landing for those shorter grass strips around the country which I’m looking forward to visiting!

Highlights
08:35 – Take off
13:44 – Full Flap Landing with Go-Around
18:55 – Flapless Landing (too slow)
21:00 – EFATO
26:00 – Flapless Landing (second attempt)
29:05 – Glide Approach & Landing
34:10 – Short Field Approach & Landing

My next lesson is booked for Thursday 11th July where I’ll be landing at a controlled airport for the first time!

I’m filming using a GoPro Hero4 with suction mount and a special adaptor to capture the headset and ATC audio. If anyone would like any more info on the set up – just drop me a comment below!

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