13 Glide Approach

This lesson focuses on teaching students how to land an aircraft without engine power, initially within circuit lessons and later in forced landing scenarios.

Objective

To successfully complete a landing without engine power from a 1000-foot downwind position.

Considerations

Several factors influence the ability to reach the 1/3 aim point. Once assured, the aim point is adjusted towards the threshold to utilise the available landing distance. Students should initially aim 1/3 into the runway during practice.

Headwind on Final 

If a stronger headwind causes undershooting, lower the aircraft's nose and increase airspeed to penetrate the wind effectively. This is why the 1/3 aim point is recommended.

Windshear on Final 

Counter windshear by increasing airspeed. The 1/3 aim point provides a buffer.

Moving the Aim Point

Assuming that the 1/3 aim point can be easily reached from about 500 feet AGL, the L/D ratio is reduced by:

Airspeed 

Increasing the airspeed. 

The increase in airspeed means the gyroplane will float in the round-out, so if it is used, it should be used early rather than late.