Mastering the 180 Degree Power Off Accuracy Approach

By Jason Miller

Introduction

Today, we will be diving into the intricacies of the 180 degree power off accuracy approach. This maneuver, although only required for the commercial checkride, is highly sought after by many pilots. Whether you are preparing for a checkride or simply looking to refine your skills, we have some tricks up our sleeves that will help you nail your spot every time.

The Tools at Your Disposal

When attempting a 180 degree power off accuracy approach, it is crucial to utilize the tools available to you. Think of these tools as three key components: flaps, the geometry of your approach, and the option to perform a forward slip.

1. Flaps

It all starts at the abeam position. As you approach this point, deploy your flaps, starting with ten degrees. This will allow you to turn onto a high, tight base leg. Once you have turned onto the base leg, assess your altitude. If you are high, continue flying in the same direction while losing altitude to square the turn to final. Don't be afraid to bank steeply and let the nose fall. Remember, if you're not pulling, you won't stall. On the other hand, if you find yourself too low, you can fly direct to the numbers. Use the flaps to your advantage and adjust them accordingly throughout the approach.

2. Approach Geometry

While executing the 180 degree power off accuracy approach, the geometry of your approach plays a crucial role. This is why the key position, or the base leg, is so important. If you find yourself low, simply turn directly towards the numbers. However, if you're high, extend the base leg and square off the turn to final. Don't hesitate to make a steep bank if needed. Remember, releasing the nose and allowing it to fall in a steep bank will not cause the airplane to stall. Your stall speed increase is minimal, and by releasing the stick, you will maintain control.

3. Forward Slip

The third tool at your disposal is the forward slip. As you maneuver towards your aiming point, you can use a forward slip to keep the aiming point perfectly in your window without gaining any airspeed. This technique can be highly effective in maintaining accuracy during your approach.

The Building Blocks: Flying a Proper Pattern

Before delving into the specifics of the 180 degree power off accuracy approach, it is essential to master the basics of flying a proper pattern. As a student pilot, you learn core pattern principles such as the proper distance at the abeam point, power changes at specific positions, and maintaining the correct airspeeds. However, in the real world, air traffic control can often disrupt these procedures. Improvisation becomes necessary, but when it comes to nailing a spot in an accuracy approach, it's crucial to revert to the proper pattern fundamentals. The distance from the runway, power changes at the abeam position, and the correct airspeeds should never be forgotten. These fundamentals serve as the foundation for a successful approach.

Putting It All Together: The 180 Degree Power Off Accuracy Approach

Now that you understand the tools at your disposal and the importance of flying a proper pattern, let's walk through the steps of executing a 180 degree power off accuracy approach. For demonstration purposes, we will use Livermore Airport's Runway 25 left as our reference.

Step 1: Establish the Proper Distance

When approaching the runway from the opposite side, it is essential to establish the proper distance. In this case, we will aim to position the runway halfway through our strut. This distance ensures optimal alignment for a successful approach.

Step 2: Identify Your Aiming Point

The aiming point is crucial in an accuracy approach. For our demonstration, we will use the first taxiway as our spot. This corresponds to the third runway stripe. However, we will aim slightly ahead of that point to account for floating, assuming our speed is on target.

Step 3: Execute the Approach

Now that we have established the distance and identified our aiming point, it's time to execute the approach. Follow these steps:

1. Pull the power to idle below 110 knots
2. Deploy flaps to ten degrees
3. Maintain an airspeed of 85 knots on the down line
4. Begin the turn towards the numbers, adjusting the flaps to 20 degrees as you enter the white arc
5. Slow down to 75 knots while keeping your eyes outside the airplane
6. Set flaps to full and maintain an airspeed of 65 knots
7. Round out when the tan line disappears underneath the cowling
8. Transition to landing by aiming for the third runway stripe

Step 4: Adjust as Necessary

If you realize that you're not going to make it to your spot or if your approach is not on track, don't hesitate to go around. Demonstrating good judgment and making the decision to try again shows your commitment to accuracy and safety. The examiner would prefer to see a missed approach than a poorly executed landing.

Conclusion

Mastering the 180 degree power off accuracy approach requires a combination of skill, practice, and understanding of the tools at your disposal. By utilizing flaps, understanding the geometry of your approach, and employing a forward slip when necessary, you can improve your accuracy and consistency. Remember, flying a proper pattern sets the foundation for success in any approach. So go out there, practice, and refine your skills. Safe flying!