Figure 6-8 The Groove

CHAPTER SIX

T-6A CONTACT

c. Continue with pattern procedures as in the OLF, remembering to use "right/left base"

instead of "180" for the 180 radio call.

d. When ready to depart, give the tower some lead-time to de-conflict traffic. It is

customary to call the tower on the next-to-last pass to inform the controller you will be

departing after the next touch & go/low approach, etc.

607.

THE APPROACH TURN

In general, from the 180 position until final, power controls rate of descent and nose attitude

controls airspeed. Setting the proper pitch attitude, 2/3 ground and 1/3 sky, off the 180 will help

you to initially maintain airspeed. Your goal leaving the 180 is to fly to a good 90 position on

airspeed (120/115/110 KIAS) and altitude (400 feet or 1/2 the pattern altitude in feet AGL).

Learn to visualize the 90 position as you begin the approach turn. Choosing a ground landmark

or simply a spot on the ground to fly to is a good technique. This will help you fly the desired

ground track around the final turn, even in crosswind conditions. Trimming as close to "hands

off" as possible is vitally important to flying a solid approach turn.

No written outline can effectively state all the possible deviations in a landing approach.

Remember, it's the combination of attitude and power working together to produce aircraft

performance. The correctional techniques utilized to correct for deviations from the desired

altitude and/or airspeed you will learn through in-flight instruction and practice.

608.

FINAL APPROACH

150' AGL

50'

"G r o

ove

100' AGL

1500'

Figure 6-8 The Groove

The goal leaving the 90position is to position the aircraft on final approach on airspeed and in

the "Groove." The groove is defined as 100 to 150 feet AGL with approximately 1500 feet of

straightaway (Figure 6-10). The turn to final will normally necessitate a power reduction to

decrease airspeed to final approach speed (110/105/100 KIAS) and to counter the increase in lift,

resulting from leveling the wings.

6-14

LANDING PATTERN