1. Circuit Introduction The Flight Training Manual - Sections 12 and 13
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2. Objectives
To takeoff and follow published procedures that conform to the aerodrome traffic circuit, while avoiding conflict with other aircraft.
To carry out an approach, and landing, using the most suitable runway.

3. Normally Left-hand at 1000 ft AGL
The Circuit
Normally Left-hand at 1000 ft AGL

4. Considerations – Takeoff
Slipstream
Torque
Crosswind
Headwind & Tailwind
Power & Flap
Surface
Slope
Runway Length

5. Effect greatest at high power and low airspeed
Takeoff – Slipstream
Effect greatest at high power and low airspeed

6. More Downward Pressure on Left Wheel
Takeoff – Torque
Yaw to the left
Torque on aircraft
Direction of prop rotation
More Downward Pressure on Left Wheel
More Drag on Left Wheel

7. Takeoff – Keeping Straight
Use rudder to keep straight on reference points at the end of the runway
If available – Use the runway centreline X

8. Keep straight on reference points
Takeoff – Crosswind
An aeroplane tends to weathercock into wind
A crosswind from the left aggravates the swing created by slipstream and torque.
A crosswind from the right may cancel out the swing.
Keep straight on reference points

9. Takeoff – Wind Headwind Tailwind
Aeroplane parked into wind blowing at 55kt
Takeoff with tailwind requires groundspeed equal to wind speed just to bring airflow over the wing to a standstill.
Will get airborne
5kt tailwind = 30% increase in take-off distance

10. Takeoff – Wind Headwind Tailwind Lower Groundspeed Higher Groundspeed
Shorter Ground Roll
Longer Ground Roll
Steeper Climb Angle
Shallower Climb Angle
Improved obstacle clearance
Reduced obstacle clearance
Takeoff into wind for improved performance

11. Takeoff – Power & Flap Power: Flap: Use FULL Power to:
reduces the takeoff roll and
improves the climb performance
Flap:
Most Flight Manuals don’t recommend flap for takeoff.
Reduces Ground Run, and Climb Performance
Up to 10 or 1 Notch

12. Takeoff – Surface Smooth Surface (Sealed Runway)
Accelerates to lift-off speed quicker
Shorter Ground Run
Rough Surface
(Grass – Long &/or Wet, Gravel)
Decreased Acceleration to lift-off speed
Longer Ground Run

13. Takeoff – Slope Downslope:
Assists takeoff, by helping the aircraft to accelerate faster
Decreased the ground roll
Upslope:
Opposes takeoff, by resisting the aircraft’s acceleration
Increases the ground roll

14. Takeoff – Runway Length

15. Takeoff – Runway Length

16. Considerations – Landing
Wind
Flap
Power
Brakes
Runway Length

17. Where Possible Land into Wind
Landing – Wind
Where Possible Land into Wind
Lower Groundspeed
Shorter Landing/Stopping Distance
Steeper Angle of Approach (Obstacle Clearance)

18. Landing – Flap 10°to 30°/ 1-2 notches Flap Lower Stalling Speed
Lower Landing Speed
Shorter Ground Run
Increased Drag
Steeper Angle of Approach
Obstacle Clearance
Lower Nose Attitude
Better Forward Visibility
10°to 30°/ 1-2 notches Flap

19. Landing – Power Power Controls: Rate of Descent (ROD) Descent Angle
Increased Slipstream = Controls More Effective
Rudder, and
Elevator (more significant)
Glide
Powered

20. Landing – Brakes Landing Used to slow the aeroplane, and/or
bring it to a stop.
Touch & Go DON’T USE THE BRAKES
During takeoff and landing keep heels on the floor so as not to apply the toe brakes.

21. Landing – Runway Length

22. Wind Gradient
Due to the friction caused by the Earth’s surface and obstacles on it, wind strength decreases as you get closer to the ground.
Stand upright during a brisk wind, and then lie on the ground – compare the change in wind speed.
Due to the loss of headwind component it will affect the flare – possible floating.

23. A sudden change in wind speed and/or direction
Windshear
A sudden change in wind speed and/or direction

24. Landing – Wind Shear
Wind Shear can be very dangerous due to potential loss/gain of Airspeed.
If Strong Wind Shear is suspected then abort the approach.
Consider a higher approach speed and lower flap setting.

25. Windshear Check TAF and ATIS to compare 2000ft wind and surface wind.
Wind needs to be 10kts or more
If encountered it can result in a sudden drop in airspeed and/or altitude
Go Around
If windshear conditions are reported or suspected, increase approach and threshold speeds to counter any sudden drop in airspeed.

26. Aviate – Navigate – Communicate
Airmanship
Command Decision Making
Aviate – Navigate – Communicate
ATC Clearances
Must be acceptable to the Pilot-in-Command (YOU when solo)
Are you capable?
Is the aeroplane capable?
Weather?
With in reason, if unacceptable, ask for an alternative clearance.
A clearance must be complied with subject to the safety of the aircraft.

27. Airmanship Record Keeping LOOKOUT & LISTEN OUT Circuit Direction
Kneepad (or similar) to record the ATIS, Flight & Taco Times, Fuel Endurance (Land By), Clearances, etc.
LOOKOUT & LISTEN OUT
Carryout a good LOOKOUT prior to entering the runway and while in the circuit.
Listen Out and build up a mental picture of the circuit traffic.
Correct radio calls – use the cheat sheets provided.
Circuit Direction
Windsock – Check before take-off and landing
Follow aircraft already established in the circuit
I’M SAFE

28. Airmanship – VFR Met Minima
In a Control Zone (CTR)
Day and Night
Ceiling 1500ft
Visibility 5km
Special VFR (SVFR)
Day Only
Clear of Clouds
Ceiling 600ft
Visibility 1500m
At an Aerodrome in Uncontrolled Airspace
Ceiling Visibility
Day 600ft 1500m
Night 1500ft 8km

29. Airmanship – Right Of Way Rules
The Onus is on You

30. Airmanship – Right Of Way Rules
Head On
Pass
Port to Port
Each aircraft
turns to the
right

31. Airmanship – Right Of Way Rules
Taking-off or Landing vs Taxiing
The taking off or landing aircraft has Right of Way
The taxiing aircraft must Stop and Give Way

32. Airmanship – Right Of Way Rules
Landing vs Taking Off
The landing aircraft has Right of Way
The taking off aircraft must Stop and Give Way

33. Airmanship – Right Of Way Rules
Circuit vs Joining
An aircraft established in the circuit has right of way.
An aircraft joining must give way.

34. Airmanship – Right Of Way Rules
Lower over Higher
The lower aircraft has right of way
The higher aircraft must Give Way

35. Airmanship – Right Of Way Rules
Overtaking and Cutting In
Maintain your position in the traffic sequence.
Follow the aircraft ahead, don’t overtake or cut in.

36. Take-off Safety Brief The briefing is carried out before line-up.
Intentions in the event of a malfunction during the take-off roll and an engine failure after take-off.
Consider the conditions on the day:
wind,
runway-in-use,
type of terrain off the end of the runway

37. Take-off Safety Brief “The wind is on the nose/from the left/right.
For a malfunction before rotate:
Close the Throttle
Keep Straight, Brake as required, if required Turn into Wind
For an engine failure after rotate:
Lower the nose – 60kt/70kt
Close the Throttle, Carb Heat ON/HOT
Pick a paddock (runway),
Flaps as required
If time permits
Trouble Checks (FMI),
Shut-Down Checks (FMIM)”

38. Aeroplane Management Throttle Mixture Carb Heat Temps & Press
Smooth Movements
Mixture
Rich
Carb Heat
On/Hot Below green range – 2000 RPM
Off/Cold When runway assured
Temps & Press
Normal / Green
Fuel Management
Change tank after start up, and then every 30 minutes
DI and Compass
Orientate with the Runway

39. Human Factors Situational Awareness Traffic Situation:
Look Out and Listen Out
Build a mental picture
Orientation to the Aerodrome:
Reference points to track on
Position in the circuit
Weather:
ATIS and ATC Reports
Pilot Reports
Observations – cloud, smoke etc., groundspeed

40. Human Factors Workload and Priorities Vision Information Processing
Good communication, pre-flight and practice will minimise disorientation.
Vision
Reference features to turn on to are important
Take note of landing cues and runway perspective (lined up for take-off)
Information Processing
Mnemonics and checklists
‘Overlearn’ checks
Airborne checks off by memory
Stress
Relaxation techniques

41. Air Exercise – The Circuit
Base Turn
Downwind
45
Crosswind
Base
Leg
Take-off
Final
Climb Out
Landing

42. Air Exercise – The Takeoff
Nose wheel straight and on centreline
Check Compass and DI (bug) against the runway
Select two reference points at the end of the runway

43. Air Exercise – The Takeoff
Smoothly apply FULL power
Heels on the floor (to avoid unnecessary use of brakes)
Keep straight with rudder (Torque effect and Slipstream)
Protect nose wheel with slight back pressure
Check Static Power
Check T&P Normal
Check Airspeed
Alive

44. Air Exercise – Climbing Out
Attitude for the Climb
Keep straight on reference point
Check behind for tracking
At safe height and airspeed
(300ft AGL, 65kts)
After takeoff checks
Flaps Up, T’s & P’s
Attitude for climb – re-trim
At 400ft AGL, LOOKOUT
Select a reference point under/in front of the wing tip for Crosswind
At 500ft AGL turn – Max AOB 20º
For separation – delay the turn

45. Air Exercise – Crosswind
Check the aircraft is tracking 90° to runway
Pick a Downwind reference point under/in front of the wing tip
Lookout – especially for aircraft joining early Downwind
When spacing correct (threshold at 45) – Turn Downwind
45

46. Air Exercise – Downwind
Anticipate leveling out at Circuit Altitude/Height (1000ft AGL)
May be on Crosswind, in the turn to or established Downwind
A P T
Reducing power to about 2200 RPM to achieve 90kt
Should be tracking parallel to the runway – strut/wingtip spacing
Groundspeed maybe high due to Tailwind
Lookout and Listen out
Downwind Call – Abeam upwind threshold
Complete Pre-Landing Checks X

47. Air Exercise – Pre-Landing ChecksB U M F H
Brakes
Undercarriage
Mixture
Fuel
Hatches and
Harnesses
Pressure – Checked; Park Brake – Off
Down and Locked (Welded)
RICH
On – Fullest Tank
Fuel Sufficient – For a Go Around
Pump – ON (if available)
Pressure – Checked
Hatches/Canopy – Locked
Harnesses – Secure

48. Air Exercise – Base Turn
Lookout
Select a Base Leg Reference Point
When threshold appears at 45
Carb Heat – On
Power – 1500RPM
Hold the nose attitude
Level Turn – AOB 30
Speed in White Arc
VFE C152 85kt / PA38 89kt
Flap - 10/1 Notch
Attitude for 70kt
45° X

49. Air Exercise – Base Leg Track on Reference Point
Check Altitude – adjust with Power
Check Speed – adjust with Attitude
Trim
C152 – select 20° flap, Attitude for 70kts - Trim
Lookout – on Short and Long Final
Anticipate the centreline
600ft AGL start turn onto Final – Max AOB 20
Finish turn not below 500ft AGL
Continually Assess the approach

50. Air Exercise – Final Approach
Select an Aiming Point
Maintain the Aiming Point in a constant position in the windscreen
Fly a Stabilised approach

51. Air Exercise – Final Approach
Established on Final:
Assess the Approach
Centreline
Altitude / Rate of Descent
Airspeed
Select 30°/Second notch of Flap
Attitude for C152 60kts / PA38 65kts
Trim
Attitude controls Airspeed

52. Air Exercise – Final Approach
Power to controls Rate of Descent/Approach angle
Aiming point moves up the windscreen – increase power
Aiming point moves down the windscreen – reduce power

53. Air Exercise – Final Approach
Runway Perspective

54. Air Exercise – Final Approach
Short Final
Check the wind
Clearance received to land or touch and go
Check the runway is clear
Landing assured – Carb Heat OFF/COLD
Decision Point:
Approach stable and landing assured?
Yes = Continue
No = Go Around

55. Level Off – Power Off – Hold Off
Air Exercise – Landing
Crossing the fence (landing assured)
Transfer focus from the aiming point to looking down the runway
Progressively raise the nose to round-out (flare)
Simultaneously close the throttle
As the aircraft sinks, increase the back pressure to hold off (float)
Level Off – Power Off – Hold Off

56. Air Exercise – Landing Touch down on the main wheels
Fly the nose wheel onto the ground
Keep straight with rudder
Apply Full Power to carry out a Touch and Go; or
Brake as required to vacate the runway
After landing checks

57. Touch and Go To save time and do more circuits.
A normal landing followed by a normal takeoff, without stopping or braking.
Carried out on runways with enough length to land, retract flap and takeoff again.

58. Air Exercise – Touch and Go
A simple and logical extension of the landing roll
Once nose wheel on runway:
Raise flap (initially by the instructor)
Apply FULL power
Check Carb Heat – OFF
Weight off the nose wheel
Keep straight
Note:
Initially the Instructor will raise the flap and say “Flap Up”.
Then apply the power
On a short runway you may need to apply full power first