"Gary Emerson" wrote in message
. net...
When I was getting instruction, I was always encouraged to progress toward
full spoiler in the pattern and to ideally get to a full spoiler and
stabilized approach once the target touchdown point was "in range".


I was not taught (nor did I teach) any such thing. First of all, spoiler use
is type-specific. If you have a glider with very effective spoilers, you are
less likely to need them full on. If you are flying something with wimpy
spoilers, you might routinely fly your whole final to touchdown with them full
on.

I was taught that the theoretical "ideal", perfectly-planned and executed
pattern would have about 50% spoilers throughout the full pattern. If you are
at 50%, then you have maximum authority to either increase or decrease your
glide angle as conditions warrant.

Vaughn