Q&A for How to Land a Cessna 172

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What is a standard turn?

Community Answer

A standard turn is one with a bank angle, and one that will take you 2 minutes to complete a full 360 degree circle.

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Question

I took 5 yrs off after 220 hrs flight time. My check off instructor demonstrated an engine out (power to idle) on downwind. He put it into a slip and maintained it to landing, flared and a smooth landing. I tried it and my landing was not as smooth. Is this a safe maneuver?

Community Answer

A slip landing should not be necessary if your approach is normal. Some use the slip to lose altitude when their approach is too high. A slip is dangerous because you could stall the aircraft. A go-around might be safer if you're too high.

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Question

How do I note the AGL with the altimeter?

Community Answer

The altimeter, if properly adjusted for barometric pressure, indicates mean sea level altitude. AGL is the difference between the altimeter indication and surface elevation.

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Question

At what altitude do I start my descent on a short final in a 172? I think 1,700 ft at 1,500 RPM, correct?

Danoyachtcapt

Top Answerer

If you're making a standard downwind, base, final approach, your altitude should be about 500 ft AGL on your turn to base leg. If you're on a straight in approach, then 1000 ft is better, but obstacles and the terrain on final approach will determine what your actual altitude should be.

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Question

When do I start my flare?

OMalley567

Community Answer

Start to round out at the threshold, and enter your pre-flare. Continue to pull back on the yoke, and make sure you are at an appropriate speed.

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Question

Why don't they show cross control stalls in training?

Danoyachtcapt

Top Answerer

Cross control landings are dangerous, especially for a beginner, as you are dangerously close to the ground. It's safer to go around than to risk the cross control stall.

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Question

What if the landing gear is fixed and it doesn't move?

Danoyachtcapt

Top Answerer

There is a Cessna 172R that has retractable gear, so you need to get some training for that.

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Question

Should I pull the yoke slowly right after throttle idle cut off, or wait for a little bit more descent?

Community Answer

Adjust your back pressure on the yoke to maintain enough air speed for the plane to keep flying. To arbitrarily increase without close monitoring of speed is a dangerous habit.

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Question

What if the plane is out of fuel?

Alex

Top Answerer

If your plane is out of fuel, your engine will stop running. This means that you will have no more lift and will have to make an emergency landing. Contact the ATC and declare an emergency.

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Question

How do I turn without banking?

Alex

Top Answerer

To avoid banking, use the rudder. The rudder changes your heading without changing your bank angle. However, avoid using the rudder while cruising, since it can cause your plane to become unstable. Also, do not use your rudder to long; using it to long can cause what is know as a hard-over, and your plane will start to bank.

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Question

If I have a failed engine on downwind, what are the things to troubleshoot? And do I call out Mayday?

Larry Gaunt

Community Answer

Call tower and advise of an emergency... lost engine, request clearance for immediate landing. Communicate the best you can and follow the procedures you have been trained in.

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