Straight Descents and Descending Turns
Written by Jack on May 31st, 2008
| Objective: |
To familiarize the student with the procedures and aerodynamics involved in descents and descending turns. |
| Content: |
Before Flight:
- What power/pitch settings lead to following descents:
- Partial power descent
- aka. Cruise or En route descent
- 400 – 500 fpm
- Airspeed/pitch should be constant at predetermined levels
- Descent at minimum safe airspeed
- Nose-high, power assisted
- Principally used for clearing obstacles during short-field landing
- Airspeed recommended by manufacturer (usually no more than 1.3 VSO
- Steeper than normal descent angle
- Excessive power required to “recover” from low airspeed
- Glides
- Glide ratio
- L/D ratio determines distance aircraft can glides
- Weight will not affect glide angle
- Best glide speed corresponds to angle of attack giving L/Dmax
- Lessened propeller slipstream causes immediate nose down tendency when power is reduced
During Flight:
- Student should maintain 400 – 500 fpm during partial power descents
- Student should maintain precise airspeed during descents at minimum safe airspeed
- Student should adjust pitch attitude to adjust airspeed during glides
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- Student should not attempt to “stretch” a glide using back elevator pressure
- Instructor demonstrates maneuvers first
- Instructor/student attempt abnormal glides for better understanding
See AFH C. 3-15 to 3-19 |
| Completion Standards: |
The lesson is complete when the student is able to perform straight descents and descending turns to the satisfaction of the instructor and in accordance with the current Practical Test Standards for the student’s stage of training. |
Posted in CFI Lesson Plans |
