Getting used to the Arrow...and I like it...a lot!

One of aviation's Rules of Thumb...
an approximate best approach speed is found halfway between the top and
bottom of the white arc.

Cockpit Colin wrote:
Something that's always worked for me ...
Take Vso (bottom of white arc) - reduce it by 5% for every 10% under MAUW
then multiply it by ...
1.3 for over the fence speed
1.4 for Base
1.5 for downwind
Works for all aircraft I've flown (although I add a bit in C172 - Vso
(adjusted) can be as low as 28 knots - so at 28 * 1.3 (approx 37) it still
hasn't stalled, but controls are getting pretty mushy (any people who bring
them over the fence at 65 to 70 wonder why they float!)

"john smith" wrote in message
...
One of aviation's Rules of Thumb...
an approximate best approach speed is found halfway between the top and
bottom of the white arc.

It's certainly never going to kill you, but it doesn't make any adjustments
for being light (say 1 pilot, and minimal fuel) - which can make approx 13
knots difference to the ideal approach speed in the Arrow (and 10 knots
difference to your dirty stall speed).

Since I started calculating approach speeds I've been amazed at how the
consistancy of my landings has improved - even 5 knots makes a difference.