Landing

[geofb]

Can anyone provide guidance (help, tips, useful documentation etc) to help me get my 40 size trainer down to earth safely in one peice? I do the takeoffs OK, basic aerobatics stuff OK, but just cannot get the landings right. Yup, I'm another guy trying to self teach myself. Many years ago I was good at control line, but this R/C is a diffent ball game, I'm getting there but most times go home after one flight with landing damage. Can anyone help please?

[cornbinder]

forget about the aerobatics just get used to being a circle jerk, what i did was at about 1/3 into my turn on approach couple hundred ft up cut the throttle to just over
idle get yourself used to doing that then do it and a slooow gradual turn to the field
make sure the wings are level and let her come down slooow but not drop,keeping her
wings on a horizontal just before she touches down cut the throttle CALM DOWN and
follow her through as if she was taking off. HOWEVER YOU SHOULD HAVE SOMEONE
WITH A TRAINER BX WITH YOU UNTIL YOU CAN SOLO. ITS CHEAPER. oh by the way
i wont pay up if you try and sue me.

[Keith43221]

Pratice and lots of it. First you must learn to glide your plane take it up and just glide it back down doing nice turns and going straight. When it is 50 feet or so take it back up and do it again. When you can glide well landing will be a brezee.

[geofb]

Many thanks for the replies so far. If anyone has any more useful advice/tips it would be very much appreciated. All advice will be received as "sold as seen" ie no warranty/liabilities. Thanks.

[David A]

Practise your circuits, then do them lower and lower until all you've left to do is cut the throttle and keep the wings level with a little flare just before the wheels touch. Practise low passes with throttle, make sure you can put the model in the part of the sky YOU want it to be. ie - you fly the model NOT the model flying you.

I've always felt that the key to a good landing is getting the model approach right- so many flyers (even those who can solo and do complicated aeros) can't really land their models properly. They often try to land with the model too high in the sky.

Make sure you start way-out. Give yourself time to get the approach right. Use throttle to bring the plane in if it looks as if it's falling short of the landing strip.

Practise lot's and the rest'll come naturally. Good Luck.

[orenda635]

Throttle is definately the key. Learn to control it. A lot of new pilots forget that there's a left stick. Enter a level pattern and bring the throttle back slowly as you circle. It should be at idle by the time you're on final. Don't be afraid to add power on final if needed. If you have the feeling that you've overshot, are going too fast, or are having other problems, abort. Floor it and enter the pattern and try again. The rudder is also useful too for counteracting crosswind on final.

[Bako]

pilot-tower tower request landing.
tower-u'r clear to land runway #2. wind 12
pilot-rgr tower
tower-waht are u doinnnngggggggggg!!!!!!!!
pilot-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
tower-god, save his gost

that's when full scale, but first of all try to relax, u don't sit in it yeap? so relax. dont be nervous, when apriaching, and don't throw stick from side to side

[abenn]

I like a long, straight approach. Position yourself in the centre of the runway (easier to judge if the model is veering left or right on your approach) about 50ft beyond the point you wish to touch down. Turn the model towards the runway about 1/4 mile out, downwind, about 100 to 150ft height. Fly the model towards yourself, reducing throttle gradually so that it sinks slowly (no need to use down elevator), use rudder or ailerons (depending on model) to keep the line straight. If the model has come down to about head-height, and is still on line, at the beginning of the runway, shut off the throttle, move out of the way, and let it glide past you to a perfect landing.

If the model hasn't come down to head-height, open up the throttle gently, gain height, and go around to try again. Use the long straight approach to practice getting the throttle just right so that the model is at head height at the beginning of the runway.

[Kwok_Yu]

I think the most important thing for a beginner to learn is that throttle controls how high the plane flies. And elevator controls the speed. Since most beginners should not fly close to the ground, they have to learn a diving approach to land. Also, no turning is allowed at the very end of final approach. If you are not lined up way ahead of time, then go back around. By this I mean the only use of aileron, is to keep the wings level.

Do a rectangular pattern. On the 3rd leg, drop the throttle way down and decend. When you are lined up, do you last turn and continue the dive. Use the elevator to control your speed by changing the angle of the dive. You want a constant medium speed, not too fast and not too slow. Aim you plane like you want to shallow dive it into the beginning of the runway. Pick your own target to dive for by trial and error. When you get there just level out the plane with the elevator and hold the elevator there. At this point you switch over to your throttle to control the very shallow glide. It should fly in and almost land itself. Remember no turning adjustment at this point. Just keep the wings level.

[Stuart Linfoot]

Here’s how I explain it when I teach, (I wish I could put drawing on here to show you, but I’m not that computer savvy ….yet)

Prepare to land ahead of time, (think it through before you do it)

You have three distinct turns you have to make to land, (down wind, Base, and final) if any of the three don’t seem right to you, abort the landing and set up again.

Separate the landings into these three separate parts.

(Length in feet is just a ruff judgment based on my bad depth perception and judging distance, adjust your distance according to what’s comfortable for you)

First is the “down wind”: fly parallel to the runway in the opposite direction you intend to land from, in this phase, I tend to like to see the throttle setting a little less then half throttle. (Of course depending on what motor and how much power you run) cut the throttle back to where the plane just starts to lose altitude. (In this phase, you want to be maybe 100 feet up, and maybe 100 or so feet out.) Fly this direction until your about 200 feet past the approach end of the runway)

Second is the “Base”: make a shallow turn from down wind to Base(a 90 deg. Turn) (not in a steep bank) (KEEP IT SHALLOW) once you’ve made the 90 deg turn, level out (remember, you were only about 100 feet up when you started down wind, so you should be losing altitude slowly) reduce throttle to maybe a quarter throttle or so, at this point, I’d like to see the plane about 50 or 60 feet up and slowing down (the key to a good landing with a trainer is SLOW). Fly Base until the plane appears to be about 30 degrees off your shoulder (if you were a clock about the 2:30 mark assuming looking straight ahead would be 12 O’clock)

I sure hope I’m explaining this to where it’s understandable.

Third is the “Final”: make a shallow bank from Base to final, same as you did for the turn from down wind to Base (A 90 degree turn and level out). Here it gets a little tricky, you need to use throttle management. Cut the throttle to an idle, watch your altitude, and speed, you use the throttle to extend your approach if your to far out from touch down. (if at any point you aren’t completely comfortable with the approach, throttle up and go around) don’t assume that because your on final, that you have to land …you don’t, (unless your dead stick) Hold the wings level, and make NO turns (slight rudder adjustments are ok to line the plane up with the center line of the runway)

Once you’ve turned from Base to final, the only adjustments you should be making is keeping the plane centered with the runway and wings level. As you cross over the approach end of the runway, you should have about 5 or 6 feet of altitude, veeery slowly feed in up elevator (your doing this to bleed off airspeed, and prepare to flayer) let the plane settle on it’s own, don’t force in to much up elevator, as it will cause the plane to balloon when your about a foot off the runway, veeery sloooly feed in up elevator, the amount of up elevator you give should match the sink rate of the plane, your trying to settle the plane down on the runway on it’s main wheels (remember you don’t want it to balloon up) (work your elevator, and rudder, throttle is at an idle) (your less then a foot off the ground) as the main wheels touch, work the elevator just enough to keep the nose wheel off the ground until it drops on it’s own due to lack of flying speed, by this time, the plane is traveling slow enough that your about ready to taxi it back to the pits or where ever.

I hope I’ve been able to explain this in a helpful manor, this is the first time I’ve ever tried to put my technique in writing.

Stuart

[geofb]

Hey guys - this is all really useful, very many thanks, please keep it coming I'm getting a really good picture here.

Stuart - If you have a scanner maybe you could do the drawing on paper, scan it in and either attach to reply or email directly to me please. Also, I have ailerons on my trainer, so where in your excellent description you refer to the rudder should I be using the ailerons or rudder or some of both on final? What speed should the plane be travelling when it crosses over the approach? Mine seems to me to be going quite fast - is this normal? At this stage of the landing should the nose of the plane be up, down or level?

[ivanc]

When Stuart refers to rudder he means rudder only - you're not supposed to use ailerons on final approach except to level the plane from a bank (can be caused by wind gusts, turbulence). The plane should fly level - if you drop its nose it will gain more speed which you don't need; if you get the nose up you'll stall it. Your speed on a landing approach should be just above stall speed. When you're one foot above ground you should apply a hair of up elevator (right stick down - nose up) to flare the excess speed and stall the wing so the plane stops flying.

[Viper Pilot]

When in a landing approach, use the throttle to determine descent and use the elevator to determine speed. Once throttled to idle, and as your descent approaches touch-down you appy enough elevator to slow your speed to a stall speed (flare).

I usually keep increasing elevator until the mains touch the ground.

[globemaster3c17]

I think Stuart did a great job of describing how to land except for one point.

You have three distinct turns you have to make to land, (down wind, cross wind, and final) if any of the three don’t seem right to you, abort the landing and set up again.

What he is calling "cross wind" is wrong. That is the base leg. The crosswind leg is on the departure end of the runway, and is what you would be on when you make your first turn after taking off when staying in the pattern. I'm just a stickler for using the correct terms for flying.

[pimmer]

I think the thing that does it for me is to tell my students to level it GENTLY when about a foot off of the ground. I say gently because when the wing is within one winglength of the ground, the model is experiencing ground effect and it takes a lot less elevator to pull it level. Most beginners will overreact, add far too much elevator, and end up in a rapidly decelerating shallow climb. Then a panic reaction sets in, and they add a LOT of power and end up back in a takeoff mode climb. If you find yourself overreacting and doing this, dont add power, but immediately apply a SHORT, but firm, amount of down elevator to get the tail back up so the plane is level. Try to keep the plane within one wingspan of the ground. The stall speed is much lower there, and you have a little breathing room with your speed because of ground effect. If you can keep the plane that close to the ground with the elevator, or even closer, with no power, it will get to the ground eventually. Try to keep the plane flying (inches off the ground) with increasing amounts of elevator as it slows down, and you will soon be gently on the ground. After a while, through repetition, you will learn how much elevator is needed to level the plane a foot off of the ground from your final approach descent without actually entering a climb and balooning back up. My students will porpose up and down at first, a foot or two off of the ground , before getting the plane on the ground. With each circuit, the porposing gets smaller and smaller until they can level the plane perfectly just over the runway.

[Stuart Linfoot]

I think Stuart did a great job of describing how to land except for one point.

What he is calling "cross wind" is wrong. That is the base leg. The crosswind leg is on the departure end of the runway, and is what you would be on when you make your first turn after taking off when staying in the pattern. I'm just a stickler for using the correct terms for flying.

Your right, I messed up on that one, I went back and edited the post :D

I'll see if I can get a drawing scaned that I can post on here, but the way these guys describe "Landing" I think its pretty well thought out, and their doing a good job of it :D

[KAK]

All very good explanations. But I would not do as pimmer described (if you ballon leave the throttle at idle and use elevator down). You can do this if it is only a small ballon. But if it is a larger ballon, than the aircraft will be close to stalling (sure there is the ground effect, but it isn't that big!!) and you need to level the aircraft and use power to get some flying speed (just a short burst) and at the same time deside if you can salvage the landing. If not keep the throttle on and go around. If you can the gradually descent for another flare. As a generel rule you should go arund if you ballon, stall (even on long final), bounce to high back in the air after touchdown or are about to touch down prior to the runway.

One thing that I think will really help your flare is to do a lot of slow level flying. When in the air slow down the plane to the minimum speed that you can keep it level at. Get a feel for that speed, and for the handeling of the aircraft. During your approach you don't want to get that slow prior to your flare. If you do add a quick burst of pwr and at the same time deside if you can salvage the landing... othervise go around.

Now when you have learned to master this approach. It is time to learn to do a overhead break (the fun landing). It is accomplished by flying level with full power at about 100 ft straight down the runway in the intended landing direction. When about 1/3 down the runway do an "agressive" 180 degree turn away from you while going throttle to idle. Now keep the plane level while decelerating to slow speed until you are 45 degrees back from your intenden touchdown point (a bit of power may need to be added to keep it flying). Then get the nose down while starting a turn to allign you with the runway. You should aim to roll wings level pointing down the runway at about 20-30 feet. Then the rest is just like the short final described in the rest of the replys... This is a fun approach, but it is tricky. So master the otherone prior to trying this one. :D

good luck and happy landings

[fhhuber506771]

Find a reference point about 100 yds off the end of the runway that you can fly over for every landing (from that direction.. another for the opposite direction when the wind changes...) such that... with a SLIGHT cross wind from behind, pointing the airplane's nose at yoursef when directly over that reference the model will track right down the runway if you leave it alone.

Then its a matter of just reducing power and making minor rudder corrections if the aircraft is properly trimmed.

I demonstrate landings using left stick only. Rudder and throttle. If its a little low, add power. If its high reduce power.. and as it crosses the beginning of the runway (and I want it to STAY DOWN) I kill the engine, then guide the model right to my feet. You can do this every time with practice if the winds are calm and the model is trimmed correctly.

Wind corrections are just a matter of practice once you can do the above. and it won't take much practice. :D

******

Anther good thing to do.. stand beside someone that is "shooting approaches" and doing touch-n-goes. (and be quiet) Watch how his model looks on the approaches and note the results. A good approach results in a good landing almost every time. ;)

[blizzardwarrior]

1. Line up with runway.
2. At about 50 ft altitude, cut throttle to about 25%(cutting it lower then this may result in the engine cutting and you having to perform a dead stick landing)
3. At about 5 ft off the ground, increase throttle the slightest bit, and apply gentle up ellevator, this should slow the plane down a little if you do it correctly.
4. slow throttle to just above idol, and release all rudder/aileron controls, which you should be touching anyways when you are this low to the ground.
5. At touchdown, fiddle with elevator until you get the correct landing attitude i.e. back wheels touch down slightly before the front wheel.

[kiswa]

This image is from the landing pattern at MASportAviator.com (http://www.masportaviator.com/ah.asp?CatID=8&ID=20). Hopefully it is helpful.

http://www.masportaviator.com/articlepics/prifly_landing_1.gif

The article that image is from is useful for learning landing approaches, you can use the link above.

[Artemetra]

Simulator! Man, has it helped me. Helps a lot for the rudder steering practice on final, and helps to practice those nice flat aileron-compensated adjustments and throttle blips. My landings have improved soooo much from sim practice.

And then you find that it's actually harder to do on the simulator.... in some ways.

[fhhuber506771]

LOL. if the sim is in default settings.. just finding the runway 40 sec after takeoff is usually a minor miracle. :p Make sure you have it set to always "show ground" That REALLY REALLY helps you figure out where the thing is SUPPOSED to be in relation to you.

And that approach entry drawing.. looks like its for full scale. (except it showas a pilot location instead of a tower..) Nothing wrong with that... just modelers very rarely bother with a base leg. Most just whip it arond in an arc and come in. Sloppy flying I know... but thats reality.

I'm going to try something next time at the airfield.. (just to prove a point to myself and others..) I'll take my Tiger 60.. trim it out for level at 40% throttle. Then I'll land... and do a complete flight without touching the RIGHT stick. (yep.. rudder and throttle and I won't touch elevator or ailerons)

I havent done it since I was playing around with full flaps and crunched my Kadet Sr... showing why you shouldn't take off with full flaps. (damn good demo.. it crashed.)

[kiswa]

Yeah, they have an article on that landing approach too. Looks like this?
http://www.masportaviator.com/articlepics/greatcirclelanding/gclanding_1.jpg

That article can be found here (http://www.masportaviator.com/ah.asp?CatID=8&ID=32)!

[ivanc]

I'm going to try something next time at the airfield.. (just to prove a point to myself and others..) I'll take my Tiger 60.. trim it out for level at 40% throttle. Then I'll land... and do a complete flight without touching the RIGHT stick. (yep.. rudder and throttle and I won't touch elevator or ailerons)
Is this the Carl Goldberg Tiger 60 oyu're talking about? Does it bank in the direction of turn using the rudder? I have a 4*40 and it banks in the opposite to the turn direction when using rudder only, so I still need to use the ailerons at least to keep it level. While I was practicing level flight with my Hobbistar 60 I tried rudder and throttle only and it worked and was fun. I wasn't so experienced though to try to land it without using the elevator. And our field is not long enough for landing without flare. But what I've tried and it worked is hold 1/2 up elevator on the landing approach and adjust the speed/altitude and heading with the left stick. BTW these are the most beautiful landings I've performed with the 4*.

[geofb]

Excellent stuff - thanks to all for your great replies.

One thing I'm still not clear on, when I'm coming in to land, if I'm "off course" do I use the ailerons or the rudder to correct my flight line so as to line up with the landing strip?

[fhhuber506771]

Yes its the Golberg tiger 60 and it does bank slightly in the correct direction with rudder. The swept-back rudder hinge-line keeps the nose from dropping.

I am suprised at a FourStar not banking the correct direction with rudder... my FourStar 40 dropped the nose and banked the correct direction... my fourStar 60 with 50% dihedral removed dropped nose and yaw-skidded. (no bank)

****

note for the throttle-rudder landing to work.. the aircraft has to be trimmed for level at almost stall speed. (which due to my prop selection is close to 40% throttle stick... even with a .91 4-stroke up front)

*******

Low speed turns are best done with rudder. ailerons can nduce "adverse yaw" and actually turn you opposite to the desired direction. Beginners tend to slap in more aileron, aggrivating the problem leading to a stall-spin-crash.

[harryf3]

What speed should the plane be travelling when it crosses over the approach? Mine seems to me to be going quite fast - is this normal?
Have an experience flyer to check your idle setting and prop size.

[geofb]

Tridim,

I got some really useful stuff here from the guys which you might find helpful.

Geofb

[Merkaba]

Simulator. Simply. Even a cheap free one will help.

[Artemetra]

Excellent stuff - thanks to all for your great replies.

One thing I'm still not clear on, when I'm coming in to land, if I'm "off course" do I use the ailerons or the rudder to correct my flight line so as to line up with the landing strip?

Since no one ever answered and the thread got bumped: The best landings use both rudder and ailerons. It takes a lot of practice to do it right. Using the rudder is effective if the plane flies well, and you can grease every landing with a skilled combination of rudder to correct yaw and aileron to keep it flat. It's one of the most rewarding parts of learning to fly. On a plane that doesn't fly so well, like one with minimally effective rudder, it doesn't matter so much - some planes just have to be brought in and kind of snubbed onto the ground. But if you get to try something like a Cap232 or Katana on a simulator, (or for real) you'll see what I mean. The plane will glide in while you do rudder corrections, the wings don't tip much, and really spectacular landings can be done. And I do mean rudder corrections, those planes yaw so well you can do unbelievable flat turns.

With something like a Slow Stick, you have to have the plane going mostly the right direction, then lessen your rudder inputs - you don't want the wings to tip much. Blips of power will keep it from stalling and you can do little tweaks with rudder until it lightly touches down - again practice is needed especially to get it to come in on a line where you want it.

Both the Reflex XTR and RealFlight (also AFPD) sims have screens where you can use a runway - it really helps practice getting a plane lined up. For a long time my landings were just wherever the plane came down... (Some still are.)

[johnprov]

I have never really had a problem with landings, my advice would be not to be to worried if you have to much speed on your approaches as long as you have a long landing site, as long as your glide path is not to steep there is nothing wrong with a little speed on landings the worst that will happen is that you will have a litlle hop on landing, hey before you know it you will be doing touch and go's.

[redh]

One of the hardest things for a new person to learn is to fly a STRAIGHT line. If you practice flying a STRAIGHT line down the center of the runway (starting at a safe altitude and gradually getting lower as DAVID A suggested) you will be surprised how soon you will feel comfortable with your approaches and then the landings. Just DON'T rush getting lower, take your time and do it right.
I follow that you are trying on your own and getting it down safely is of great importance but trust me it will come if you are patient. As stated before it would work best if you could have an experienced pilot by your side ( on a buddy box). ENJOY!!!

[tutorguy]

Guys,

theres some great stuff in all these replies. I've been struggling in gettin me plane down safe as well.

Is there any way to pull it all together into like one reply?

[fhhuber506771]

There's no really good way to "explain" landing techniques on the forum. The best way to learn landings is to WATCH someone who consistantly does a good one.

Find the guy in the club that does the best landings. (he'll be the one that does a lot of touch-n-go practice, so you'll have lots of observation opportunities.) Go out and stand with him while he's flying (if he doesn't mind..) and observe how the model looks on each landing approach. Get the picture of what is right FIRMLY planted.

Ask him about his landing techniques and I'll bet he tells you he has some visual references picked out to help aid in "placing" his turns. Note what his reference points are. (you can use them)

Make sure your aircraft is trimmed properly for HANDS OFF at just a little above stall speed. (makes the landing easier)

Use mostly throttle and rudder for control on final approach. The ailerons are just to keep the wings level. Elevator is just for the final flair-out. (if you got your initial line-up right it works.)

If the typical .40 size trainer is properly trimmed for landing practice... you can do the whole approach with just throttle and rudder and not touch the right stick at all when there is no wind.

[redh]

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE Learn to fly that straight line down the runway and it will happen. ENJOY !!!! RED

[tutorguy]

To the guy who started this great thread (geofb) and all others who are looking for help on landing - take a look at this months Model Airplane News the August 2005 edition.

They have a great article which includes a really good 3-D diagram showing appraoch, speed, altitude etc for landing.

[geofb]

Tutorguy - many thanks for reply, sounds just the job. Been away from the internet for a while so only just got your message.

Don't know if we can get the magazine you mentioned here in the UK, don't recall seeing any.

Is the article available on-line does anyone know?

[lane279]

geofb,Hope all of your friends and family are o.k. after that horrible day yesterday. The magazine mentioned has a website ModelAirplaneNews.com If you can't acess the article pm me, I have the issue and probably could scan and e-mail it to you.
It's titled "10 Steps For Success" Really good article.

lane279...

[geofb]

Lane 279, many thanks for your kind thoughts. Pleased to say me and mine are all OK, many others were not so fortunate though.

I've looked on ModelAirplaneNews.com, they list the article but there is no content.

So I will take up your offer.

Regards

geofb

[lane279]

No problem, glad to help. My net day off is Thursday, I'll get it scanned and sent to you. Do you want all 10 steps in the article? or just the one on landing? I can do all or just the one, so let me know.


lane279...

[geofb]

lane279, if there is a section (step?) on landing then please do send me that. Very kind of you and much appreciated, geofb.

[lane279]

Geof, Let me know if this works. I'm still learning to use my scanner and move files around.



lane279...

[lane279]

Also Geof, I just got September's issue and it has a good article on crosswind takeoffs and landings.



lane279...

[geofb]

Hi lane279...

Many thanks, your scanning skills seem to work just fine. The article together with the 3-D pictures are really really good. I can understand the explanation much better with the 3_D pictures.

Don't suppose there's any chance you could do the same with 1 to 7 of the same article please? I'm intrigued to see what they cover and how ell it is explained.

Hope this isn't too much bother, but what you have sent so far is very helpful.

Thanks and regards,

geofb

[lane279]

No problem Geof, I scanned them a minute ago and tried to upload them, but it says they are too big, so I will go back and crop any areas that aren't needed. The family and I are about to go out for an ice cream, so I will work on them when I get back.
I got steps 1 thru 7, and the crosswind takeoffs and landings for you.

lane279...

[geofb]

Hi lane279...

Ice cream sounds good, I hope you all enjoyed it. Thanks again for all your help. No rush, I'm now off to Scotland on business for a few days so will log on again when I get back at the end of the week.

Best regards

geofb

[Wellington]

Guys,

There is a great deal of good advice on this thread.

I too am trying to master the art of flying (and of course landing !!!)

One aspect not talked about is the type of aircraft being used. One would assume it's a "trainer type" e.g. slowflyer type. One would hope so.

Best advice given, is use a simulator !!!!!!!

I have just picked one up (RC Plane Master) Worth it's weight in gold.

I reckon to date, I have smashed up over $10,000 worth of model (and counting .....), and I'm still happy :)

Joking apart, it's one of the best pieces of software I've ever bought (and I've bought a lot of software)

Happy flying.

Paul

[ctdahle]

Lots to read and lots of good stuff to digest in this thread. Just a few things I would add that I think can help.

I think it is very helpful to be able to fly a clean rectangular traffic pattern. Practice making a nice, crisp, square turn from downwind to base and from base to final. Make a low pass, add throttle as you pass your pilot station and climb out a bit. Make a nice crisp turn onto crosswind and again onto downwind, and repeat...base...final...and go around again.

Practice until your four pattern turns are consistenly over the same four points of the airfield, your base and crosswind leg are parallell and equidistant from you, the downwind and final/climbout legs are parallell to the runway, and all four legs are perpindicular to each other.

I also think that it is helpful to pay attention to your stance. Square yourself to the runway, feet in a good sports stance, shoulder's width apart.

Imagine a line straight out from you. Maybe as an extension of your TX antenna. The airplane should enter the pattern where the downwind leg intersects this line and I think it is very pretty to touch down where the line intersects the center stripe.

Pick out some good land marks. Think,"OK, I turn onto base when the plane crosses the notch between the mesa and the big hill" or whatever.

I also find that it helps to count the plane around the pattern. The number of counts will depend on the size and speed of your airplane and the altitude of your field. But for example, once you enter the pattern at the count of "one", cut throttle at "eight" maybe, then on "twelve" you make your turn to base, turn to final at "18" and touch down at the count of "26". Of course a shift in the wind may vary your count, but in consistent conditions, counting helps you find a rhythm to the traffic pattern and once the rhythm is imprinted on your brain, the it resonates with every plane you fly and on every field you use.

Practice until locking the plane into the pattern is a matter of muscle memory rather than conscious thought and soon you will find that any plane you fly, large or small, gas, electric, or glow, seems to magically fall into the pattern when you are ready to land.

But no matter what else you do, have fun.

[fhhuber506771]

while on the final approach, with most planes you don't want to see the bottom of the wing. If you are looking at the bottom... then your nose is too high and you are approaching stall.

If the plane is ballanced correctly... when trimmed for level flight at about 50% throttle you can do most of the final approach using just rudder and throttle. (maybe a little aileron to level wings if you don't have dihedral) and you shouldn't need elevator except for the flair.

try to time the flair to just keep the wheels from touching.. then as the wheels touch down slowly feed in more and more elevator to keep the nosewheel off the ground as long as possible.

Sometimes the idle speed of the engine will produce enough thrust to keep the plane from settling onto the runway. If you have this problem you need a slower idle or a lower pitch prop.