by OTTOL » Sat Jun 28, 2003 9:59 pm
As far as purely visual cues, unfortunately, Y2cragie is correct. Map mode, in views, can be a good reference, or you can use the distance rings on the GPS map view(with the range zoomed in). I'm assuming your starting with the 172/182, or something of similar performance. Also try using an airport that has a VASI(Visual Approach Slope Indicator). These are the red and white lights on the side of the runway. Not all airports have a visual lighting system like this, but using these for practice will help you establish a proper sight picture. If you see two red lights, that is bad, you're too low. Obviously hitting the ground is bad, but seriously, a flat(low) approach limits you're forward visibility and may neccesitate the need for a lot of power. Two white lights means you're too high. This isn't quite as bad, as long as you have a long runway. One red and one white light indicates the proper glidepath. To land at the edge of the runway "on the numbers", you should actually aim for a point just short of the runway.
Good Luck!
.....so I loaded up the plane and moved to Middle-EEEE..........OIL..that is......