Ask Elton
Your Flight Training & Ground School Specialist

Instructor » Flight Training » Climbing and Descending

Climbing & Descending

AIM:   

To climb & descend with a constant airspeed & direction and level off at pre-selected altitudes

 

CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Climb performance depends on power available
  • Best Rate of Climb
  • Full power, attitude for 60kts

 

Glide descents (engine failure)          

  • Throttle closed
  • Attitude for 55kts/65mph

 

AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT:

Climb             

  • Full power                            
  • T’s & P’s normal                                       
  • Airspace limits                                                                                                           

Descent          

  • Minimum altitudes - 500ft or 1000ft                                                 

Situational Awareness          

  • Training area                         
  • VFR

 

HUMAN FACTORS:

Altitude          

  • Sinuses, diving

Vision            

  • Empty sky myopia

Lookout  

  • Lower nose
  • S turn’s

Listen out

 

AIR EXERCISE:

Climb             

  • Select ref pt
  • Select altitude to level off at

 

Power              - Full power (rudder)

Attitude           - Set for best ROC (60kts)

Trim                 - to maintain attitude

 

then LAI          - Hold, check, adjust

 

Level Off        - Anticipate altitude by 20’ approx    

 

Power              - Decrease to cruise power (4800 rpm)

Attitude           - Select cruise speed (70kts)

Trim                 - to maintain attitude  ‘hands off’

 

 then LAI         - Hold, check, adjust

 

Descent           - Select altitude to level off at

 

Power              - Reduce to idle rpm (rudder)

Attitude           - Set for best ROD (55kts/65mph)

Trim                 - to maintain attitude

 

then LAI          - Hold, check, adjust

 

Level Off        - Anticipate altitude by 50’ approx

 

Power              - Increase to cruise power (4800 rpm)

Attitude           - Select cruise speed (70kts/80mph)

Trim                 - to maintain attitude

 

then LAI          - Hold, check, adjust