Cessna 172 Circuit Notes

No. 5 - Turning onto Base:

When runway numbers are at 7 8 oclock over your left shoulder, commence a left turn of 30. Roll wings level. Reduce power to around 1700rpm, wait for the airspeed to reduce to around 85kts and then put first stage of flaps. Once speed is within the white arc then put the second stage of flaps. Start a slow descent at 75kts IAS.

No. 4 - Turning onto Downwind:

Before turning onto downwind look over you left shoulder, if the runway numbers is at a 7 oclock position then start your left 30 turn onto downwind. When on downwind keep the runway the way up the left strut on the C172. This keeps you on a perfect downwind distance parallel from the runway. If the runway becomes too far up the strut then you are becoming further away, the exact opposite will happen when becoming too close. Make a radio call, Scrabo _ _, downwind runway 22. Complete downwind checks: U = Undercarriage Fixed F = Fuel Balanced/Sufficient for flight H = Hatches & Harnesses - Secure & Locked

B = Brakes Toe Brakes/Parking Brake Released M = Mixture Rich

No. 6 - Turning onto Final:

Starting the last turn onto final doesnt obey to any specific rule. Estimate yourself by visual references (runway threshold or touchdown position from cockpit view). (Be aware of wind effects when turning onto final as well for correctly flying the pattern leg. For example; if there is head wind on base leg, you should delay the last turn. If there is tail wind on base leg, you should anticipate the last turn). Make the 30 left turn onto your final.

I = Instruments Ts and Ps in the green L = Lights As Required

No. 3 - Turning onto Crosswind:

A climbing turn to the left (if using 22) of 15 @500ft still continuing the climb to 1000ft AAL. Wings level at 1000ft A.P.T to straight and level, allow airspeed to settle power back to around 1900rpm keeping a speed of 85kts trim to maintain level flight at 1000ft.

No.7 - On the Final:

Put the final stage of flaps down (30 degrees making sure speed is within the white arc) and control the pitch for airspeed and control height with power. Aim for a final approach speed of 65kts. Make a radio call, Scrabo _ _, on final runway 22. Aim for the runway numbers to be way up the windscreen focus on touching down on the 22 numbers. Remember! Runway Speed Runway Speed Runway Speed If you are too high it is fine to go idle power and add or take away power as required. Engine to idle if not already across the runway threshold lines. Focus on the end of the runway, watch for floating pitch back pressure then nose down gently.

No.1 - Take Off:

Line up the flight instruments. E.g. if using runway 22, the DI should be set on the heading of 220. Radio Call, Scrabo _ _, lining up runway 22. Make sure you are lined up with the runway centreline. Radio Call, Scrabo _ _, taking off runway 22 Throttle to full 1-2-3, a bit of right rudder to stay aligned with the runway centreline. Rotate @65kts and maintain attitude to keep 73kts on climb out. Keep an eye on the DI to make sure you are keeping your heading of 220.

No.2 - After Takeoff Checks:

Engine Instruments are to be checked. E.g. Temperatures & Pressures (Ts & Ps) should be in the green. If landing light & taxi light is on, they should be turned off. @500ft on the climb out L.A.T A clearing turn is to be made to check for traffic or obstacles before turning. Push the nose forward slightly to check for traffic Continue.

No.8 - Touch and Go:

Remove two stages of flap - then apply full power and counteract the yawing effect with the right rudder. Rotate at 65kts by gently pulling back on the control column Once at 300ft extract the rest of your flaps. Continue the same procedures again.