Circuits — Flapless and Go-Arounds — In-flight Notes

CASA Recreational Pilot License (Aeroplane) — Lesson 8

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Language choices

"going around" — a single, clear, committed call. Once made, it stands.

"stable" or "going around" — an explicit call by ~500 ft AGL on every approach.

"power, attitude, flap, climb" — say the go-around actions aloud as you fly them.

"don't fly it back on" — name the one trap of the baulked-landing recovery.

Demonstration-Performance

For the sequence of each activity, choose whether you use:

  • Demonstration-Performance: Explain, Demonstrate, Performance and Monitor, Evaluation
  • DDM: Demonstrate, Direct, Monitor

or some other preference. Each in-flight activity just describes the sequence to be demonstrated and performed, regardless of the method you use.

Before starting the plane

  • Confirm runway in use, circuit direction, circuit height, and CTAF.
  • Confirm the flapless approach speed from the POH for this aircraft.
  • Confirm the go-around flap sequence and any large trim change for this type.
  • Brief the first go-around before the first circuit — normalise it so it is never a surprise.
  • Brief how many circuits, and which exercise comes on which lap.

After departing / established in the circuit

  • Fly a consolidation circuit or two first — confirm the student's normal approach and landing.
  • Brief the next exercise on downwind, before the workload rises on base and final.
  • Example brief: "This circuit we'll fly the approach flat and fast with no flap — it'll float, so we'll hold off and let it land, then expect to use more runway."

Consolidation circuit — reference

Sequence

  • Normal take-off, climb, crosswind, downwind tracking
  • Pre-landing checks on downwind (BUMFISH per lesson 6)
  • Base turn, stabilised approach (glide path · track · speed)
  • Stable by ~500 ft AGL — call "stable" or "going around"
  • Normal round-out, hold-off, touchdown on centreline
  • After-landing actions; reset for the next circuit

Use this to confirm the baseline before changing the approach profile.

Flapless approach and landing

Brief first: flatter path, higher speed, flown with power, longer float, longer roll.

Sequence

  • Downwind: complete pre-landing checks; flap stays up
  • Base and final: fly the engine-assisted (powered) approach — do not glide it
  • Hold the POH flapless speed (higher than normal) — control rate of descent with power
  • New sight picture: the path is flatter, aim point further along
  • Round-out is shallow — small attitude change
  • Expect a longer float — hold it off, don't force it down
  • Touchdown, then brake normally — allow for the longer landing distance

Go-around — from the air, before touchdown

Decision by ~500 ft AGL if not stable, or any time the approach is unsafe.

Sequence

  • Full power — applied smoothly; carb heat cold (if fitted)
  • Attitude — arrest the descent, pitch to the climb attitude, balance with rudder
  • Hold level until the recommended flaps-down climb speed
  • Flap up to the go-around setting progressively — not all at once
  • Positive rate established → clean up fully in stages → re-trim (expect a large trim change)
  • Climb on the extended centreline; allow for wind; avoid wake turbulence
  • Radio call once safely climbing; re-enter on crosswind

Practise this before the baulked-landing version — same actions, more height to spare.

Baulked landing recovery — from a bad or bounced touchdown

Brief: don't try to rescue a bad landing — go around without hesitation.

Sequence

  • Trigger: a bounce, a balloon, or held off far too high
  • Full power smoothly; check the descent
  • Do not pitch back into the ground in a nose-down attitude
  • Establish at least level flight, then a positive climb
  • Only then raise flap to the go-around setting; clean up in stages
  • Keep straight — directional control on/near the runway is the priority
  • Climb on the centreline; re-trim; rejoin the circuit

Demonstrate this one first; let the student perform it only once the in-air go-around is solid.

Common faults to watch for

  • Reaching for the radio before the aeroplane is flying — aviate first.
  • Raising flap too early on the go-around — sink before the climb is established.
  • Pitching up aggressively at low speed on a baulked landing — stall risk.
  • Forcing a flapless landing on instead of holding off — heavy, fast touchdown.
  • Losing directional control on the longer flapless roll — keep it straight, brake progressively.

Return to aerodrome / final circuit

  • Brief which circuit is the final landing before lining up (or downwind if it's after a touch and go).
  • Plan the after-landing taxi route; give way to other circuit traffic.
  • Complete after-landing checklist when clear of the runway.
  • Shutdown and post-flight inspection per aircraft checklist.