How I fixed BAD LANDINGS in one lesson

Watch this to see how one lesson helped fix my landings. Does power or pitch stabilise a landing approach? Watch me flying circuits in a Cirrus SR20 with Flight Instructor Philippe with multiple landings at a mountain airport as I experiment with pitch and power adjustments for perfect landings.
Filmed in a Cirrus Aircraft in Norway during 2019, this instructional flight helped me fix up my landings by focussing on using pitch and power to stabilise my approach.
If you're learning to fly, want to improve bad landings, or just want to see how to land a plane, I'm flying with Philippe Polman is a Cirrus Standardised Instructor Pilot (CSIP). You can fly with Philippe in his SR20 N55557 too, check him out at: www.flywithfreshair.com/
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VERY IMPORTANT: I am a private pilot and am NOT qualified to give flying instruction. This video, like all videos on this channel, has been significantly edited from the original source footage and is provided for entertainment purposes only. Many radio calls and procedures have been omitted. If you have any questions about anything you see or hear, please speak to a Certified Flying Instructor first.

[@NikosWings]

Valuable lesson, I can’t wait to go up with an instructor when this crisis is over.

[@StefanDrury]

That's going to be the first flight I do when I'm flying again - an hour refresher with an Instructor maybe shooting a few approaches, a few circuits. I'm looking forward to it too mate.

[@TmanUtube]

You know it's good to hear both you guys say this. No matter how experienced you may think you are, you're never gonna stop learning.

[@ForFunFlyer]

Agreed, me too. Always good to get back at it with an instructor by your side 👍🏻

[@kentmcree8339]

I am right in the middle of landing training and the virus has clipped my wings. I was just getting the hang of it. This is a great tip. P.S. I enjoy your videos very much.

[@RosssRoyce]

Nico, I’ve seen quite a few of your videos and it seems that you have a body of experience, I fly for only five years now, and I don’t at all mean to be arrogant or pretentious but I really really fail to see anything special being explained or demonstrated in this vid?

[@farismufti]

I'm a current PPL student and really struggling with landings, this has helped to give me another perspective on how I could improve my landings. thanks.

[@pilot-plane-coffee1678]

Thanks for the refresher- always good to revisit the fundamentals!

[@LeeRussell]

Thanks Stef. Really appreciate you sharing this tutorial. That power management demonstration was brilliant - Thanks Philippe too. Lee

[@malikmtkleo]

Oddly enough I was watching the original video from last year! Its really helpful for a new pilot! Enjoying your channel, thank you!

[@tayloryacht]

Always good to fly with another pilot or instructor and just do the landings and pattern work. Enjoyed the video.

[@RosarioPulvirenti71]

Fantastic video Stefan I am in the circuit phase of my training and loving it.

[@aportman58]

I haven't flown in many many years, but this has me getting the itch and bug to find me a local school and get back behind the controls! Great instructions!

[@miketurner_aus]

Thanks for sharing Stef. Took me back to my student pilot days in the early '70's. My dad always taught me that pitch controlled airspeed and power controlled decent rate. You really got that technique nailed and Philipe is a really impressive instructor. His calm composed approach is brilliant.

[@ossan_pilot]

Great clip, super crisp guidance. Thanks for sharing, Stefan.

[@OshryPilot]

Perfect visual demonstration. I felt like i was in the plane. Thanks again Stef and please keep bringing videos like that... here in Israel we are also in quarantine and are forbidden to fly. My last flight was in February 28th and i can't wait flying again. Please Keep safe and healthy.

[@Aussie_Pilot]

It’s interesting that I had the same problem as you... pulling the yoke during the turns. Still have issues every now and then if I’m not paying attention. Awesome instruction...

[@leifekstrom1828]

That was so good Stef, took me back to days of endless circuits as a student pilot. That moment when you realise you can fly a circuit without looking at the instruments is the moment you and the aircraft become one! (or a, 'Good Stick' as one of my instructors used to say!) I think there may be a few of us providing extra work to instructors and CFI's once restrictions are lifted!

[@Paultkach]

I am a Cirrus pilot. Just happened to chance upon this video. It is surprisingly helpful. Well done!! Simple yet very effective lesson. Thanks.

[@tjmcnamara1961]

Perfectly conveyed! I’m a believer.

[@Josh-Jones]

Makes me appreciate my flight instructor, learned this from day one. Back side of the power curve, aka "reverse command"... Easier said than done of course! Nice landings!

[@hasenbel]

Probably the nicest demonstration of left hand speed and right hand descent rate (When sitting in the left seat) when on approach :-) Thanks for that guys!

[@BigglesAviator]

Hey Stef...loved the vid. I wonder what pearls of wisdom would Philippe would have for those of us who need to apply his teaching at uncontrolled non instrument/PAPI locations. Stay safe.

[@andymcvean9631]

Excellent tuition, great content for any student pilot.

[@ForFunFlyer]

Like my instructor always said; it's all about energy management! 😊 Nice video, mate! I like these uncut episodes, so you can suck up all in flight details! 👌🏻

[@HarryWho102]

This was a real lesson for me. I will never be a pilot but I can be in the simulated world on a PC. Now I can actually see hows it's done. I'm going to drag out my SR22 throw the covers off and practice on X-Plane11. Love your work sir.

[@Maviation]

Good job! And that’s how airline pilots fly approaches. Use the throttle 😊

[@DaveHines1]

Beautiful scenery and very interesting watching you improve your technique. Many thanks Stef 😃

[@StefanDrury]

Cheers Dave, yes it was pretty spectacular flying around Norway. A beautiful country.

[@mjotd8670]

Great video Stef, good to see you airborne again, so to speak. Enjoyed that, Thanks!

[@StefanDrury]

It's part of my therapy to relive flights through videos like this, remind me of my former life! Thanks as always.

[@nasgonzo5]

Beautiful landings and great lessons taught

[@bachian]

Awesome content. Thanks for sharing.

[@garygazman3827]

Yes sir. Pitch for speed , Power for Alt. If he’s not an instructor, he should be ! That gentleman’s explanation of what’s happening is exceptional

[@jimmydaamen]

Super valuable lesson! My instructor has always taught me the same thing but seeing it from another perspective as well is super useful. And that smile on your face when you did the super smooth landing - a visual representation of the greatest feeling ever as a student pilot! Thanks for this video, Stef! Every bit helps me make sure I don't forget any of the hard-earned knowledge while in quarantine. I can't wait to get flying again!

[@Ulbre]

the perfect landing I always equate to hitting a golf ball sweet....feels bloody well awesome

[@TJFlyingAdventures]

NIce... My aha moment that fixed my landings was "Pitch 4 Airspeed & Power 4 Altitude" But always helps to practice with someone like Philippe :-)

[@jansvoboda4293]

@jesus christ himself If your airspeed is low, pitch down to gain speed. If you are losing to much altitude, add power, if you are not loosing enough altitude, power down.

[@ronaldcuieii4775]

The last time I attempted to land I was aiming a third into the runway☺, this video has certainly given me some insight on an appropriate approach🙂

[@StefanDrury]

Different instructors teach different techniques, and it does depend on the type of approach. For a glide approach for example you'd want to aim deeper into the runway. This is just the way I've been taught to fly a visual approach using pitch and power.

[@pokemonguy6579]

Good training!

[@JhunM69]

Nice! You have a good flight instructor... I'm not even a pilot but been watching a lot of videos and I totally got what he was telling you... except, I think he was just the 2nd instructor that I've heard saying "go on idle" on landing. Most videos I've watched was more concern about maintaining certain speed and then just before touchdown increasing speed just in case it needed to get back on the air right away...

[@MichaelShaw_vk2hms]

Nice flying! I see this airport has offset localizers which you don’t see in Australia.

[@dadetato]

I love this video where there's a bit of technical staff. Pitch for speed, engine for altitude, this is what my instructors alway teach me. Here you can even SEE how it works. Just THANKS!

[@StefanDrury]

Even when we're all stuck at home I figured some flying content would be of interest, and this lesson was a really useful one for me. Thanks for watching Davide, glad you enjoyed that.

[@philipstubbs7399]

My approach and airspeed control is spot on. My flare needs work. But i suspect im not looking far enough down the runway. I either balloon or land flat. Cant wait to get back in the air

[@JasonM74]

Great lesson!

[@petercawley8444]

Really loved that trip with Philippe. Norway is beautiful 😀

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah it was a great trip, looking forward to making more content like this soon hopefully.

[@thomasanderson7454]

What a beautiful place to fly!

[@grantmcasey4134]

I couldn’t actually tell when you landed it was that smooth no lie! Accept the first and second one that’s amazing Great video!

[@kentmcree8339]

Either that was great GoPro anti-vibrate technology or the best landing I have ever seen.

[@grantmcasey4134]

@@kentmcree8339 yeah ikr

[@FuturePilotNinerOne]

Brilliant! Really useful stuff👊🏾🙌🏾

[@JoeGoldman]

Looks nice to fly there - as others have said though this was pretty much in my first circuits lesson, power = altitude on final and keep the nose down at the runway. It's hard in the little Jabiru i fly though when the throttle control is hard to move in little amounts so sometimes end up pumping in too much power and floating a few extra hundred metres haha.

[@pilotadib6027]

Great video and great information

[@evelyns1741]

Great instructor

[@jamesberbrich6440]

Thanks for the very good video. I was aching to know more specifics like which airport, type aircraft, knots or MPH, which kind of slope indicator, etc. Thanks

[@Aerospace_Education]

Great video. Hard to explain to new pilots to try and let Pitch control speed and throttle controls altitude on landing.

[@flyingark173]

Thanks for sharing! Very informative. I was always taught from the very beginning that on final pitch = speed and power = altitude. Looking forward to the next one!

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah it was a good revision exercise for me so I thought it would be useful to share. Depends if you're on a precision or non-precision approach of course, but for a visual approach like the ones in this video, this is the method I use now.

[@MiG82au]

@@StefanDrury it works just fine on precision approaches too. The quick and small corrections can be done with pitch, but power has to be used too to change the longer term flight part.

[@hansgrossniklaus3493]

I'm a student pilot-very helpful! Great job!

[@Havanafly]

Thats a beautiful place to practice

[@beagle7622]

Forced landing lessons, got a choice of water or hills. I saw a Cherokee do a forced landing in Vermont South in Melbourne around 76 I think. Was mostly new housing with 1 paddock. Saw his approach just perfect, I didn’t react at first just thought he was doing a bit of illegal low flying.

[@mikep1386]

nice vid, that too was the aha moment for me; lock in Vapp and use power to manage the picture....... made a huge difference!!

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah once I had that in my head it really simplified the whole landing process for me. Thanks for watching Mike.

[@blakebrothers]

Much appreciated - always good to keep this concept fresh!

[@user-yj1tu1dl1m]

Curious how far away you are from runway on the downwind? Greta video, thanks!

[@flycatchful]

I learned this flying radio control models.

[@Brave_Aviator]

Very nice scenery

[@St.Joseph1994]

This instructor would be great to fly with

[@gruberjohann800]

Could use a remote airfield like this one since probably no noise restrictions have to be considered. Our exercises need not only power control but also propeller adjustments when a- and descending for noise reduction.

[@sergeyivanchenko1747]

Nice video. Thanks. Just curious do you have to pay landing fee in Norway?

[@mts592]

Very Helpful 👍

[@iridium130m]

I can think of worse places to do pattern work...oh like EVERYWHERE i've ever done it. what what a view!

[@dreamchaserJ]

Wait, what light were they looking at for the glide slope? Instrument panel or outside?

[@BlueSideUp]

Might be an advantage for me in this to come from Helicopters. Energy management is everything with additional risks of vortex rings, etc. In a helicopter you control your approach altitude with the collective (power) not the pitch as well. Pitch will accelerate you very quickly, incl. descent rate. So when I first flew a fixed wing, I wouldn't even have considered pitching down if too high. I intuitively used power for altitude control and stick for airspeed like I am used to from the rotorcraft. There are also downsides. With the Helicopter you of course line up with the runway with the stick not the pedals. That is something to change for fixed wing. And promptly I did it wrong first landing. With good energy management it doesn't show so much but the instructor still noticed. Like your videos and envy where you usually fly compared to very densely populated Germany. Keep it up please.

[@tootallno]

You had to go to Norway to get it :) My home country but as you know in Canada now. How did you enjoy flying there?

[@aikidoshi007]

Nice landings, but you mentioned some lights that you were using to check glideslope, Where are they? i can't make them out.

[@VictoryAviation]

That pattern looked absolutely huge. Just out of curiosity, would you guys have been able to make the field if your power went out while making that turn from base to final? It seemed like you had forever to line up your glide slope and all that. Out patterns seems a lot smaller, for better or for worse. We’re flying 172’s... par for the course. Thanks for posting this video.

[@marcelorsc]

I thought the same, we are used to fly a much tighter circuit, so having less time for adjustments on final. I think I should wide it a bit, but still enough for a engineless landing if needed. In their case there is the fact they are flying over high mountains, so if not able to reach the runway a possibility is just turn into the lakes. The problem is when you fly in an airport totally surrounded by a city (my case).

[@alvinzichan]

flying is learning from good instructor

[@anicolas990]

Mexican fan, I know nothing of aviation but I enjoy your content!!!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks for watching, hello Mexico! 🇲🇽

[@avrpassport3586]

Excellent what an good landing

[@StefanDrury]

They certainly got better as the day went on :)

[@emilywellington6092]

Do you add flaps when you are turning base or when level on base?

[@georgewiel]

Thank you for this, Stefan. Missing my SR20 during the quarantine but keeping proficient with your vids!

[@StefanDrury]

It’s like a family member you’re not allowed to see hey? Miss flying over here as well, we’ll be back up there soon George, thanks for watching.

[@rikspector]

Next Lesson Great flying ,Stef. Cheers, Rik Spector...Landing on eggs!!

[@peterdavila3045]

One of the best videos on controlling the glide slope that I have seen, thank you. I'm a student pilot myself. I was always taught not to put flaps in during a turn, but to wait for level flight. I heard you getting instructions to put flaps in during your turns to base or final. I was always told not to make multiple control changes at once, but to let the airplane be stable after each change. What's your opinion on that?

[@gruberjohann800]

My instructor forced me to change flaps also during turns, ascending, descending but air speed had to be appropriate. Was not enthusiastic doing so.

[@forfengeligfaen]

I learned to fly in Norway too and I was also taught "Pitch for airspeed power for altitude" I remember your Aussie instructor did it differently @Stefan Drury

[@StefanDrury]

Yes that's why I wanted to share this video as I've been shown a variety of landing methods through my flying career but this is the one that works best for me.

[@forfengeligfaen]

@@StefanDrury I'd be interested to see a comparison with the other technique you learned.

[@forfengeligfaen]

This was what I was thinking of kzbin.info/www/bejne/gquZfWmAZcp5nLc

[@KMFKAlex]

I can see how this will help you hit the mark every time when you use power. But what happens the day when the engine is out and you do not have power to adjust the glide slope? I have been thought to always train on a idle power landing from minimum base/final, preferably downwind, and the argument is that it prepares me to land with an engine failure. What are your thought? Note that I fly light aircrafts (makes 600kg MTOW)

[@Wabs11]

The calm confidence that Philippe has is something else, I aspire to be like that man. Well done Steph, definitely one for the books mate.

[@magnustorque5528]

So comprehensive

[@nothinglessness]

Wow, that’s very early closing of throttles and a long float. Are you doing glide approaches?

[@jasonrwilkinson9216]

Sorry Stef but what were you doing before? I've always got the aircraft configured on downwind/base and final and flown it 'by the numbers' and ensured it was trimmed so it virtually flies itself on.

[@aviator_tech867]

This is actually an offset ILS, both LOC and GP is offset to the extended centerline. You do not see this at many airports! :) (Offset LOC is pretty common in Norway but not an offset ILS/GP) Been in Sogndal a few times Flight calibrating the ILS and climbing a nearby mountain on the overnight :) Beautiful scenery but no place to be lost in bad weather. You really need to know were you are.. Anyway, Nice video! Keep Up the good work 👍 :)

[@Albuturkey]

The scenery looks really nice. Must have been amazing to fly there!

[@StefanDrury]

It was beautiful, flying up the fjords, lots of VFR flying over islands and into small airfields. A brilliant couple of days.

[@Albuturkey]

@@StefanDrury You should consider flying in Cape Town when the current situation is over. It is really beautiful down here.

[@StefanDrury]

I would love to visit Cape Town, videos I’ve seen from there make it look like a great place to visit and fly. It’s definitely another one on my list.

[@DanFrederiksen]

Flaps for landing makes sense because you want to land on a cushion and into a cushion and flaps do both. But I've wondered if take off wouldn't be better without flaps? you can technically take off sooner maybe but wont a no flaps plane be in better condition in the same time, going higher speed, not being dragged by flaps and you need higher speed to really depart the ground anyway.

[@thegoobie1]

This airstrip is beautiful. What’s the ICAO?

[@moonshade99]

International civil aviation organisation, wing of United nations

[@wyattwinsaviation757]

Nice

[@jamesclarke3113]

A beautiful area of Norway, to be fair there are not many parts of Norway that aren't.

[@huntermatthews343]

Where did you rent the plane out of? I have a trip to Norway coming up in the next few months and would love to rent both the plane and instructor!

[@StefanDrury]

Philippe's details are in the description. He's UK based but definitely get in touch and see what he can do for you. Tell him I said hello!

[@markslandingsandaviationvi3123]

What’s the airport you landed in this video? Also i want to practice this technique used by your instructor in my home simulator. It’s only if you allow me to:) I don’t often ask about this but i feel like i want to show this to my Ultra Light instructor😀👍

[@MarcusSkyVentures]

that's why we learn slow flight. pitch airspeed, power for altitude

[@jamesnewton8977]

Nice 👍 . KJN went over my house today (near Macedon). Out for a fly stef?

[@StefanDrury]

Not me, someone else taking her for a spin perhaps. I'm not flying until the stay at home directive is lifted.

[@jamesnewton8977]

Stefan Drury sounds very reasonable. I’m taking the same approach. Missing it pretty badly though!

[@ShortFinal]

what do you use to record the Headset sound? i've got a gopro and i'm looking for a somewhat cheap way to record sound to my gopro

[@thomasairbuspilot]

Short Final look up on amazon “cockpit intercom recorder”

[@jack1111899]

Look around the 4 minute mark in this video. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZyoqIxsr9OqeaM

[@FlightATC]

What airport was this?

[@AN2Felllla]

Adjust power to adjust glide slope basically?

[@preston4815]

James Goldsworthy Power is distance man, so if you’re short, increase power, if you’re long, decrease power, but always maintain the same angle of attack because power won’t change your airspeed

[@RussellKempster]

@@preston4815 Ah, Click! Thanks PJ :)

[@Fenixx117]

Doesn't every student learn this though? I did my very first lesson. The 'area of reverse command' is entered after slow-flight where attitude = speed and power = altitude. Just keep your sight picture/speed the same and adjust power for the glideslope.

[@Vertliz]

Aye I live in Norway! 🇳🇴

[@go737]

If turboprop craft like dash 8 q 400 you idle before threshold runway ,you going deep runway hard landing ,if throttle not down on touchdown time you perfectly landing dash 8 ,not sink

[@genegade]

Student with just 12 hours here. I couldn't pick up what the insight was. "Holding the pitch"? What does that mean exactly? Keeping the exact same attitude from final to the runway? It seems like as the runway gets closer, the nose of the airplane starts pitching up -- isn't he adjusting the pitch for it to do that?

[@reubenmorison8149]

That’s how I’ve been taught the entire time

[@OVTraveller]

Hi Stefan, I would have thought that someone would have mentioned a landing “ smooth as a baby’s bottom”.....eggs are soo crunchy! Cheers

[@glennwatson]

With that runway being on a hill like make it hard to judge the glide slope. It looks like it from the video but videos are very different to real life. I know in the learning materials they talk about slope of the runway being an issue.

[@stuttgartaviation2260]

First I will drop a like, and then I will watch it😂

[@StefanDrury]

Priorities in the right order - thanks 👍

[@rikspector]

That should have been "next lesson,landing on eggs",so I got egg in my face:) Rik

[@paulJkiely]

Is this an airfield where you could pop in for a cup of coffee and a snack? What is the name of the airfield? Looks beautiful there !