How do you approach an airport for landing?
When approaching an airport for landing, the traffic pattern is normally entered at a 45° angle to the downwind leg, headed toward a point abeam the midpoint of the runway to be used for landing.
How do pilots locate the runway when landing?
Pilots use GPS or a radio navigation system called the Instrument Landing System to funnel the aircraft down an approach path to line the aircraft up directly in line with the runway. High-intensity approach lighting systems help the pilots find the runway at night or when breaking out of the cloud.
What is the best way to study longitudinal axis alignment?
Rudder for longitudinal axis alignment (parallel) with the centerline. Aileron for drift. Have a stable approach, and maintain vigilance of both inputs when on low final. If you practice the technique for your entire final approach, you get extra practice time]
How do airplanes know where to land on the runway?
The first signal is the localizer, radiating from antennae which sit at the end of the runway. This shows the pilots where the aircraft is in relation to the centerline. The second signal comes from antennae to the side of the runway, around 1,000 feet in from the threshold abeam the touchdown zone.
What technique do pilots use to land in crosswinds?
An article in AOPA Pilot (see “Technique: Defeating the Crosswind,” August 1996) showed that most instructors teach the crab-and-slip method of performing crosswind landings. With the crab-and-slip method, you have to be fast.
What is the slip method of landing a plane?
The slip method involves lowering the upwind wing to correct for drift and applying opposite rudder to prevent turning or weathervaning. These control pressures can be held into the touchdown, with the upwind gear touching down first. Use rudder as required to maintain flight path in the air and ground track on the runway.