Flight Training: Fine-tuning Flight Maneuvers and Landings

On May 21st and 28th, 2010, I practiced flight maneuvers and landings in different configurations with my flight instructor, Jim Schmidt. I performed takeoffs with flaps set at 0 and 1 (15 degrees) and headed to the flight practice area near the 3M plant about 6 miles NW of KTTA.
At 3,000 ft, I performed clearing turns to full circle from left and right with an airspeed of 90 mph. I then executed steep turns of 45 degrees to the left and right to full circle, maintaining the AS and altitude within 10 mph and 100 ft respectively.


Credit: AOPA Flight Training, July 2010

Jim asked me to slow the plane to 52-54 mph with flap 2 and perform a straight and level flight. I picked a spot and headed towards it with the inclinometer ball in the center. I then performed shallow turns to the left and right. Jim then asked me to increase the speed to 90 mph with flaps retracted at 70 mph and descend to 1400 ft near a state road. I then performed several S-turns to improve my proficiency.

After the flight maneuvers, I headed to KTTA and practiced several landings with touch 'n' go, in different landing configurations - flaps at 0, 1 and 2. There was a slight wind that allowed me to practice crosswind takeoffs and landings. I also executed a forward slip to reduce speed and altitude on one of my landing approach with full right rudder and left aileron into the wind.