One of the things that has helped is my use of flaps. I have no
idea why it has taken me so long to come to this revelation but flaps are your
friend. I’ve realised that 30 degree
flaps are really really useful in keeping a good approach angle. Gone are the
days of bringing it in stupidly low and dragging it in under power. Maybe the obstacle and short landing practice
has solidified my use of them, or maybe it was a throw away comment made on the
internet (not directed at me incidentally) “Mr. Cessna put 30 degrees of flaps
on his plane for a reason, why aren’t you using them?”
I know there are arguments for not using a lot of flap in a
crosswind but since I’ve made a conscious effort to utilise as much flaps as
possible, I’ve found my approach angle and rate of descent are just, better.
Generally this makes for a much safer approach as I’m not likely to skim the
water, have more altitude to play with for longer on final and it keeps me out
of wake turbulence range.
Today, there was a sailboat kicking around the inner buoys on final
approach, didn’t bother me as my approach was steep enough that I had no issues
clearing it whatsoever.
Yep flaps are indeed my friend. Incidentally D was telling me that
the older model 172s he flies have 40 degrees of flaps available. He says at 40
degrees the plane basically takes up the aerodynamic properties of a parachute!
30 does me just fine, I’m not greedy.
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