White over white is alright?

On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 21:51:32 GMT, "Randy Wentzel"
wrote:

First, I would like to say thank you to this group and the folks over at
rec.aviation.student for being such a valuable, mature resource. It's hard
to find that within Usenet now-a-days.

OK, on to my question:

During my flight training, I was taught that it's best to come in high "so
that the runway is guaranteed throughout the pattern," even if the engine
were to fail. This is fine and dandy, but I always come in with the VASI
indicating "white over white" and with the tower noting my position to other
aircraft in the pattern as "the Cessna on a short, high final."


I feel completely comfortable with my approaches and *usually* flare before
the numbers. VASI approaches now seem too shallow for a visual approach.

OK...my take...

I see nothing wrong with coming in above the VASI glide slope...in the
day time and at a strip you know well.

Night time and unknown strips are another matter.
Gainsville Ga is a good example. Looking at the AFD you will find the
runways are plenty long so unless you are one of those who adds "a
little extra" there should be no danger of overshooting...BUT if you
come in after dark and without the VASI guidance for the one runway (I
forget which now) it will be an interesting experience. That one
runway is considerably higher in the center than at the ends. Using
the VASI gives you guidance right to the touchdown area.
Goodland KS is another, but just the opposite of Gainsville. Here the
middle of the runway is considerably lower than either end.

I'm assuming you normally use a short strip to usually flare before
the numbers.

"I think" flight instructors who teach "landing on the numbers" do a
great disservice to their students. It may not be their goal, but it
ingrains what can be a dangerous habit and one that is really annoying
at large airports. They can achieve the same results by picking a
spot, such as the touchdown zone and going for precision.

If it's a short strip, by all means use short field technique, but on
longer strips landing on the numbers removes a safety cushion. The
same one that "staying within gliding distance" provides. There are
techniques for getting rid of altitude, but none that will add more
distance when you have neither the speed nor altitude to trade.

I fly high performance and rarely fly the VASI during the day. I
rarely fly a stabilized approach during the day, but I fly both at
night. IF I have passengers who are unfamiliar with flying, I fly a
stabilized approach with nice gentle turns and do fly the VASI.

One other comment...The VASI may seem shallow (and it is compared to
most VFR finals), but it should bring you to the runway at the
touchdown zone where you should be touching down, not the numbers.

Don't land long on short strips and don'l land short on long strips.

Roger Halstead (K8RI EN73 & ARRL Life Member)
www.rogerhalstead.com
N833R World's oldest Debonair? (S# CD-2)


What are your feelings on this?

Best,

Randy