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Chapter 11 — Approaches and Landings
Final Approach
After the base-to-final approach turn is completed,
the powered parachute should be aligned with the
centerline of the runway or landing surface, so drift
(if any) will be recognized immediately. On a normal
approach, with no wind drift, keep the longitudinal
axis aligned with the runway centerline throughout
the approach and landing. (The proper way to correct
for a crosswind will be explained under the section,
“Crosswind Approach and Landing.” For now, only
an approach and landing where the wind is straight
down the landing area will be discussed.)
Focus directly down the centerline and steer right or
left to remain on that centerline.
While aligning the powered parachute down the runway
centerline, or straight down your intended landing
area, slight adjustments in power may be necessary to
maintain the descent.
Control the descent angle throughout the approach so
the powered parachute will land in the center of the
first third of the runway. The descent angle is affected
by the throttle. More throttle means lower descent
rate, less throttle results in a higher descent rate. The
wind also plays a prominent part in the gliding distance
over the ground. [Figure 11-2] Naturally, you
do not have control over the wind but may correct for
its effect on the powered parachute’s descent by appropriate
power adjustments: more throttle is required
in a headwind and crosswind, less throttle is required
with a tailwind.
The objective of a good final approach is to descend
at an angle that will permit the powered parachute to
reach the desired touchdown point. Since on a normal
approach the power setting is not fixed as in a
power-off approach, adjust the power as necessary,
to control the descent angle, or to attain the desired
altitudes along the approach path. This is one reason
for performing approaches with partial power; if the
approach is too high, merely reduce the power. When
the approach is too low, add power.
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