spiderweb
Final Approach
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2005
- Messages
- 9,488
- Display Name
Display name:
Ben
Report from an average 600-hour, 10-year, IR-pilot
1. Preparation, as with all aircraft is good. I had to complete a 30-plus page workbook. I also memorized numbers and tried to memorize schematics. That helped a lot.
2. This is about the 10th or 15th different type of airplane I’ve flown, but the new design really sets it apart. Laminar flow wings are very sleek, interior is huge and extremely comfy and well-appointed. The G1000 especially seems right here, and this version—the Perspective—just makes it all the more intuitive.
3. Taxiing was awkward at first, but got better very quickly.
4. Everything is done in terms of percent power, although MP and RPM are, of course, displayed. I like this, since the variable-pitch prop is automatic, it is logical to go straight to percent power.
5. The airplane is –quiet-. With three blades and six cylinders, there just isn’t much noise. And the cockpit is well noise-insulated and temp-insulated, too.
6. Before takeoff, I pushed the TOGA button which gives you command bars. Man, was it easy to hold Vy with that! (I’m sure it couldn’t have been actual skill!)
7. We went up and did a few maneuvers this time. We started with 30-degree turns, then went to steep turns. Mine weren’t pretty until I added a bit of power in the turn. Then they got better.
8. Controls are well-harmonized and actually quite spritely, which surprised me. Sidestick is a non-issue and became natural in about 10 mins.
9. I was surprised that the SR-20 has aileron trim, but once I started flying, I saw how good it was that it was there!
10. The SR-20 is remarkable fast for only a 200-hp engine carrying 3,000 lbs. max gross.
11. Back to the pattern, keeping it around 25% power the drill was to go 50% flaps abeam numbers and allow the bird to descend; base was 100% (always land with 100% except under unusual circumstances); and final was 80 then 75 KIAS.
12. I only did two landings and I need to do more. I love to flare high, and I don’t know why. I’m adept at making smooth touchdowns by adding power if I flare high, but this is not the proper way to do this. Will refine the sight picture next time and get this right.
13. Next time, more steep turns, slow flight, stalls and at least 4 or 5 landings. If there’s time, we’ll do approaches. My feeling is that since doing approaches in G1000 aircraft makes them easy, the more important aspect for me will be the VFR stuff.
14. FDK tower was professional and friendly.
15. I think I will need a total of 5 hours before I feel happy soloing.
16. The aircraft is expensive to rent, so I need to go on Mondays or Tuesdays when there is a 10% discount.
17. Thoughts?
1. Preparation, as with all aircraft is good. I had to complete a 30-plus page workbook. I also memorized numbers and tried to memorize schematics. That helped a lot.
2. This is about the 10th or 15th different type of airplane I’ve flown, but the new design really sets it apart. Laminar flow wings are very sleek, interior is huge and extremely comfy and well-appointed. The G1000 especially seems right here, and this version—the Perspective—just makes it all the more intuitive.
3. Taxiing was awkward at first, but got better very quickly.
4. Everything is done in terms of percent power, although MP and RPM are, of course, displayed. I like this, since the variable-pitch prop is automatic, it is logical to go straight to percent power.
5. The airplane is –quiet-. With three blades and six cylinders, there just isn’t much noise. And the cockpit is well noise-insulated and temp-insulated, too.
6. Before takeoff, I pushed the TOGA button which gives you command bars. Man, was it easy to hold Vy with that! (I’m sure it couldn’t have been actual skill!)
7. We went up and did a few maneuvers this time. We started with 30-degree turns, then went to steep turns. Mine weren’t pretty until I added a bit of power in the turn. Then they got better.
8. Controls are well-harmonized and actually quite spritely, which surprised me. Sidestick is a non-issue and became natural in about 10 mins.
9. I was surprised that the SR-20 has aileron trim, but once I started flying, I saw how good it was that it was there!
10. The SR-20 is remarkable fast for only a 200-hp engine carrying 3,000 lbs. max gross.
11. Back to the pattern, keeping it around 25% power the drill was to go 50% flaps abeam numbers and allow the bird to descend; base was 100% (always land with 100% except under unusual circumstances); and final was 80 then 75 KIAS.
12. I only did two landings and I need to do more. I love to flare high, and I don’t know why. I’m adept at making smooth touchdowns by adding power if I flare high, but this is not the proper way to do this. Will refine the sight picture next time and get this right.
13. Next time, more steep turns, slow flight, stalls and at least 4 or 5 landings. If there’s time, we’ll do approaches. My feeling is that since doing approaches in G1000 aircraft makes them easy, the more important aspect for me will be the VFR stuff.
14. FDK tower was professional and friendly.
15. I think I will need a total of 5 hours before I feel happy soloing.
16. The aircraft is expensive to rent, so I need to go on Mondays or Tuesdays when there is a 10% discount.
17. Thoughts?
