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Hitting the Bull’s Eye

Ken Babione
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Master the principle that pitch controls airspeed and throttle controls the rate of descent for stabilized approaches and precise spot landings.
  • Differentiate between your aiming point (the stationary spot in the windscreen) and your desired touchdown point, aiming before your target to account for float during the flare.
  • Align with the runway centerline by visually positioning the stripes directly between your feet on final approach (for light aircraft).
  • Prioritize safety by avoiding bank angles greater than 30 degrees in the traffic pattern and always be prepared to execute a go-around for an un-stabilized approach.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The next time you’re practicing in the pattern, try these basic tips to help you win that next spot landing contest — or at least touch down in the correct zip code.

First, you’ll need to buy in to the premise that, on approach, pitch really does control airspeed and throttle the rate of decent. This isn’t just some aerodynamicist’s egghead theory — it’s a key ingredient to every stabilized approach and will help you better control where you set down. Once you understand this principle, spot landings suddenly become much easier to master.

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