Super 80 Professional – AOM
OPERATING TECHNIQUES
Section 4 Page 7
Super 80 Professional – Aircraft Operating Manual
Coolsky, 2018
APPROACH AND LANDING
Visual Approach
Be alert for the following visual illusions when
executing a visual approach:
Runway Slope
An up-sloping runway creates an illusion of
being high on the approach. A down-
sloping runway creates the illusion of being
low on the approach.
Visibility
Rain, haze, dust, smoke, glare or darkness
may cause the illusion of being too high on
the approach.
Runway Lighting
Strong, bright runway lights appear to be
closer while dim runway lights appear to
be farther away.
Runway Dimensions
The width versus length ratio of the runway
will also affect visual perspective.
Glide Path
The normal approach path is based on a 3°
descent flight path. Once established on the
approach, make small adjustments to the
glideslope, approach speed and trim. The
approach style is essentially the same for
VFR and IFR.
Use the 1000 foot point on the runway as
aim for the approach. This will ensure that
the approach will not be short or
unnecessarily long.
The landing distance is affected by the glide
path as well as the height above the runway
threshold. For example, crossing the
threshold at 100 feet instead of 50 can
increase the landing distance by up to 950
feet on a 3° glide slope. A glide slope of 1°
can increase the landing distance by up to
1500 feet.
Use the ILS or VASI to help you establish the
correct glide path on the approach.
Thrust on Approach
Use the throttles as a primary flight control
on approach. Use the throttles in
coordination with the elevators to control
airspeed, rate of descent and position on
glide path. Always keep one hand on the
throttles, even when using the autothrottle
system.
Note that in the event of a go-around, the
JT8D engines need about 8 seconds to
accelerate from approach idle to go-
around power.
Final Approach
A good rule of thumb on final approach to
give a 3° glide path: One-half the ground
speed (knots) times ten will give the required
rate of descent.
For example GS= 100, (100 / 2) x 10 = 500fpm
Another good rule of thumb: For a 3° glide
path maintain 300 feet of altitude for each
mile from the touchdown.
For example: If you are 5 miles from
touchdown, 5 x 300 = 1500 feet. You should
be at 1500 feet altitude when 5 miles from
touchdown.
