5.10. Straight-in Approach

p. 69

5.10.1. Objective. Land with minimum maneuvering and gradual airspeed changes.

p. 69

5.10.2. Description. Visual maneuver that aligns the aircraft with the runway for a constant speed, constant rate descent, and landing. Situations that may require a straight-in approach include flight control malfunction, pitot-static problem, structural damage, or an unlocked canopy.

p. 69

5.10.3. Procedure. (T-2)

p. 69

5.10.3.1. Request straight-in approach according to local directives.

p. 69

5.10.3.2. Descend to 500 feet AGL before the 5-mile or 5-mile radar point or according to local directives.

p. 69

5.10.3.3. Configure prior to 2-mile point.

p. 69

5.10.3.4. Slow to final approach speed once configured and before starting descent on glidepath.

p. 69

5.10.4. Technique.

p. 69

5.10.4.1. With flaps LDG or TO, begin the descent when the threshold of the runway (aim point) is in the lower one-third of the windscreen. For flaps UP, begin the descent when the spinner reaches the threshold (aim point).

p. 69

5.10.4.2. Use actual distance from threshold (aim point) from GPS to determine proper point to begin descent. Begin descent between 1.25 and 1.67 miles from the aim point (3- 4 degree glidepath from 500 feet AGL). This can help develop ability to visually determine start descent point. When using an aim point of the approach end of the runway (or approximately the “piano keys”/numbers): If crosschecking the PAPI/VASI, it will typically show 2 red and 2 white lights. Halfway down final, expect the PAPI/VASI to show 3 red and 1 white lights. On short final, the PAPI/VASI, should show 4 red lights.

p. 69

5.10.4.3. Use straight-in to practice transition from crab to wing-low crosswind controls. A longer final affords more time to practice multiple transitions.

p. 69