Takeoff/Circuit/Landing training in the Cessna 152

Circuits, takeoff's and landings (aka. touch and go's) in the Cessna 152

Stapleford Flight Centre (EGSG)

Runway length: 1,077m (3,533 ft)
Advised crosswind limit: 15 knots
Weather conditions: Overcast, 13 knot crosswind

Selected parts of one of my recorded flights last summer. This particular flight was flown in 13 knots crosswind on Runway 22' left at Stapleford flight centre. Here i was practising the flare in landings and practising the circuit, both for the second time in lessons. This was one of the first times i was flying most of the flight, with instructor simply directing. Strong crosswinds didnt do me any favours trying to takeoff or land on what isnt a long runway even for a C152.

First impressions

This was quite challenging for me and the concentration necessary very mentally draining after an hour's flight, you certainly feel it afterwards. Initial impressions of takeoff and landing during these conditions were that the aircraft could be very easily affected by strong or adverse wind conditions. It required absolute full right rudder to correct crosswind on takeoff, and even this was difficult to hold straight with the effects of the prop wash/slipstream in such a light aircraft. Straight and level flight required significant rudder correction and sensitive control input to keep it steady for accurate flight, in the Cessna you need to accept the aircraft will shake somewhat with crosswinds in flight as its very small and light.

Experience

The nose wheel on this Cessna was very rackety, most of the aircraft have individual quirks to learn and the crosswind meant either drifting over the runway (as in the final landing) or a prompt but rougher landing (like first landing) than in normal conditions. As with everything - a compromise.

Non the less, tackling a 13 knot crosswind for my second run of takeoff's and landings helped me feel much more confident with all my future ones, and this was noted with all my instructors quickly. It soon becomes natural instinct once the routines are practised with your instructor and in normal conditions the aircraft is very easy to fly and predictable.

Aircraft flight characteristics

The Cessna 152 has excellent low speed handling and stall speed, i managed to hold a climb at 45 knots during a takeoff climb with power and flaps down but this was the limit of low speed handling and was accompanied by a very low rate of climb and certainly isnt recommended for general flying. Also do not exceed 30 degrees bank angle, especially with crosswind, this can cause a wing drop followed by a spin, as one of my other instructors explained to me happened to him in a flight.

Training

I continued my flight training and successfully flew solo after 15 hours training. My solo flight was undoubtedly one of the most satisfying personal achievement's in my life. I hope this all gives an insight for beginning pilots, and if its your dream to fly dont let any person tell you otherwise.

Best of luck all beginners! Check six'

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[1990born2fly]

hey i am planning on doing hour building in SFC.. i am from Cyprus.. the weather is great here for flying.. bt SFC gave me great price.. for CPL too.. great video.. is it a good place for hour building? how is the weather?? will it take me longer than 5 months to log 75 hours?? and i love that grass runway.. we dont hav any grass runway here..:p

[IdiotenRiehen]

@1990born2fly its a brilliant place to fly, the instructors are very good and even though the weather can be changeable im sure you could log 75 hours in 5 months, providing you are taking every available opportunity to get into the air

[1990born2fly]

@IdiotenRiehen you said to someone that it is very expensive? they gave me £83/hour.. but to pay 50 hours in advance.. if i pay 75 hours in advance it will be £79..

will i be able to fly like every day?? because they said they have 20 cessna's so the only thing stopping me will be weather..

[IdiotenRiehen]

@1990born2fly If you have a few hundred pounds to spend and you are very serious about flying then simply get down there and start flying right away. Yes there are at least 20 Cessnas there each day, and yes if you pay far in advance its much cheaper. If you ask the reception/instructors to fly every day they will do their best to fit you in, the weather is nice atm, and should remain good for the summer! so go for it! The weather wont be a problem whatsoever until the winter.

[IdiotenRiehen]

@1990born2fly You will most likely be able to fly every day, or at least every few days in this weather however it may not be with the same instructor every day as they get booked up each week. Each instructor trains pilots slightly differently, and although this shouldnt make a big difference, it will help your flying become more consistent if you train with one instructor. None the less you should be able to fly many times in a week as long as you have the money.

[aviationdreams91]

nice one man ;)

btw were u doing ur ppl ther ? am thinkng to train with them (SFC) , wat do u think ?

[IdiotenRiehen]

@aviationdreams91 sorry for the late reply i dont keep my eye on youtube very much, it was towards my PPL training yes, its a good place to fly although the weather can be a little changeable and for a student such as myself, very expensive

[orpheaspanayiotopous]

@1990born2fly Yaso  my name is orpheas i and im doing my ppl at stapleford if you neeed eny help in english i can translate hope to see you in the skies or at The bar :P :P

[1990born2fly]

@IdiotenRiehen Thank you, i will be in UK in 20 days.. and i will visit stapleford . what do you mean if i have few hundred pounds to spend? will i have any other expenses? except accomodation and transport and food? is there anything extra i need to pay except the hourly rate? Regards:)

[IdiotenRiehen]

Some selected parts of one of my recorded flights this summer, more videos on the way, including the Firefly aerobatics plane. This particular flight was in 13 knots of wind on Runway 22' at Stapleford flight centre. Practising the flare in landings during the circuit. Strong crosswinds.