E
ex-orbinaut
Guest
All good and well, doing ILS approaches, but learn it visually first, then progress.
Good landings happen by a happy coincidence that you preordaine. You don't put great effort into it. It follws that good landings come from good approaches. During the approach there are only three parametrs that should concern you;
1. Airspeed,
2. Slope,
3. Centerline.
The human mind cannot think of three things at the same time (it is a fallacy to believe this), so managing the three parameters has a special method. Think of them in a cyclical sequence, and you get the illusion and effect of simultaneous management. During the approach, think AIRSPEED, and check it. Then SLOPE, then CENTERLINE. Go back to airspeed and do all it again.
Do not get hung up correcting one of the parameters if it is not quite right. Aircraft are like people; they do not like being forced to do something. Use SMALL corrections to suggest what you want and be patient. Try not to use the stick as a "pudding stirrer".
For example if you are off centerline (when you check it), do a small direction correction that sets you towards the right alignment and continue checking the other parameters. By the time you get back to centerline check (a few seconds), you will be ready to make another small correction.
Establish an airspeed on approach that is roughly the level stall speed x 1.3, and try to keep it within limits +10 / -5 m/s. Control airspeed with pitch. If its slow, lower the nose a few degrees and be patient for the effect (do not DIVE).
If the runway starts looking "squat", you are getting low on the slope: Add a bit of power, and again, be patient. Go ahead and continue with your cyclical check in the meantime.
A good way to control slope visually is to put your velocity vector on the near threshold of the runway.
For the touch down, when you are approximaetly 50 meters above the runway (depending on the craft and the slope angle, of course) raise the nose gently, carry the velocity vector up to the far end of the runway, and keep it there. Do it as if you want to fly low along the length the runway, like a cropduster. The aircraft (or vessel) will land itself while you concentrate of flying. :speakcool:
When you get good at this, try the engine off landings, but plan to use a slightly higher speed on approach (Vs x 1.6 is good). It means a steeper approach. When you get proefficient, then you can then try a number like this one, the military 360º approach. Cuts it quite fine!
Hope I was able to help!
