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**Mxsmanic**

writes:

A typical approach in my Cherokee includes at least a few minor power
adjustments after the main power reduction on downwind, abeam the
numbers. They are not usually large, probably +/- 100 rpm. I usually
attribute this to variable wind (speed and direction) between traffic
pattern altitude and ground. Some days, the wind varies considerably
on the way down, and larger, or more frequent power changes are
needed. On those rare wind-free days (i.e., from the surface up to
1000 AGL), I can set power at 1500 rpm on downwind, apply flaps in my
normal places in the pattern, and usually hit the runway nearly where
I want without any power adjustments.

The Baron has a CS prop so I can't watch RPM. I guess I could look at
manifold pressure. However, I've been going mostly by sound to determine how
much power I have applied. What surprises me is that I can tell what changes
to make at all, given that there is no sensation in simulation. But I guess
after a while looking out the window gives me enough clues--as well as
checking instruments, but often I'll adjust power before I see a change in the
instruments.

In some videos I've seen there is constant change in the power setting.
Granted, a lot of these seem to have been on windy days or in mountain
settings.

In big iron I've learned the hard way not to constantly move the throttles
forward and back. I have to just move them a little and be patient. Small
aircraft respond immediately, which is nice (but it spoils you if you like to
fly both aircraft).

I've read about being in a stable configuration on approach and that this is a
Good Thing, but I'm not sure if that applies across the board for all aircraft
and approaches, or just for straight-in approaches, or what. I think it would
be quite a feat to be able to fly a pattern and land without hardly ever
touching the throttles, except perhaps on the kind of windless day that only
occurs in simulators. I can get the aircraft into a stable configuration on
approach if the weather is good and I'm coming straight in, but doing it while
flying a pattern seems unattainably difficult at times.

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