Flight Training - June 2023 - 51

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pilots don't learn that the course and
GS/GP indicators are also performance
gauges. If you try to use the lateral and
vertical deviation indicators as control
instruments, you'll chase the needles.
I use a simple technique to emphasize
that key principle and to help pilots avoid
fixating on the needles when they fly
approaches. All you need is a Post-it note.
First in an aviation training device
(ATD) or other simulation, and then
in the airplane, set up to fly an ILS or
RNAV approach with LPV guidance.
As you intercept the lateral and vertical
paths, establish the appropriate
approach configuration for your aircraft.
(In a typical Cessna 172, pitch at about
-2.5 degrees, power at 1,900 to 2,100
rpm, and flaps at 10 degrees yields a
descent of about 500 feet per minute at
90 KIAS, a good profile for a 3-degree
descent path).
Wait about 15 seconds, then cover the
HSI or other navigation indicator with
the sticky note. You must now focus on
flying the correct pitch and bank attitude
to hold heading and maintain a stable
descent. Reference the tachometer or
manifold pressure gauge to confirm that
power is steady and adjust the throttle to
keep the VSI at about 500 fpm.
After flying 10 to 15 seconds using
only the control instruments, briefly
uncover the lateral and vertical guidance
display to check how the aircraft is
performing. Are you still on course and
tracking the GS/GP? If not, note the
discrepancy, cover the navigation display
again, and use the attitude indicator to
establish a brief, shallow bank to correct
left or right and to adjust the pitch up
or down. Check the rpm or manifold
pressure gauge and add or reduce power
as necessary to recapture the GS/GP.
Repeat that process every 10 to 15
seconds during the first one-half to twothirds
of the approach. As you get closer to
the runway and the vertical and horizontal
limits tighten, shorten the intervals
between peeks at the navigation display.
In an ideal world, with no wind
or turbulence, after capturing the
horizontal and vertical paths, you could
set the aircraft's attitude, power, and
configuration and the needles would
never move off-center. But even in the
real sky, with changing winds and vertical
hiccups, the fundamental principle
applies. Use the control instruments to
set or correct back to the proper profile,
and peek at the navigation displays
only to confirm that you're staying on
centerline, and on glidepath. FT
BRUCE WILLIAMS is a flight instructor in Seattle,
Washington.
FLIGHT TRAINING JUNE 2023 51
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Flight Training - June 2023

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