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Many factors affect flight planning and aircraft operation, including aircraft weight, weather, and runway surface. The recommended flight parameters listed below are intended to give approximations for flights at maximum takeoff or landing weight on a day with International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) conditions.
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Important: These instructions are intended for use with Flight Simulator only and are no substitute for using the actual aircraft manual for real-world flight. Note: As with all of the Flight Simulator aircraft, the V-speeds and checklists are located on the Kneeboard. To access the Kneeboard while flying, press SHIFT+F10, or on the Aircraft menu, click Kneeboard. Note: All speeds given in Flight Notes are indicated airspeeds. If you're using these speeds as reference, be sure that you select "Display Indicated Airspeed" in the Realism Settings dialog box. Speeds listed in the specifications table are shown as true airspeeds. |
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By default, this aircraft has full fuel and payload. Depending on atmospheric conditions, altitude. and other factors, you will not get the same performance at gross weight that you would with a lighter load. |
Required Runway Length
960 feet at sea level with ISA conditions.
Note: The length required for both takeoff and landing is a result of a number of factors, including aircraft weight, altitude, headwind, use of flaps, and ambient temperature. Lower weights and temperatures will result in better performance, as will having a headwind component. Higher altitudes and temperatures with degrade performance.
Engine Startup
The engine will be running automatically every time you begin a flight. If you shut the engine down, you can initiate an auto-startup sequence by pressing CTRL+E. If you want to do the startup procedures manually, use the checklist on the Kneeboard.
Taxiing
While taxiing, the power should be set at approximately 1,000 rpm. (Mixture should be full forward.) As you move down the taxiway, use the rudder to turn the nose right and left for directional control. (Twist the joystick; use the rudder pedals; or press 0 or ENTER on the numeric keyboard to turn left or right, respectively.)
Flaps
For a normal takeoff, Cessna recommends 0 to 10 degrees of flaps (at the pilot's discretion). Using 10 degrees of flaps reduces the takeoff roll by approximately 10 percent.
Takeoff
Run through the Before Takeoff checklist, and set flaps at either 0 or 10 degrees (press F7, or click the flaps lever), depending on the runway situation.
Align the aircraft with the white runway centerline, and advance the throttle control to full power (use the joystick throttle, or press F4).
Climb
Climb with full throttle, no flaps, and a fully rich mixture—approximately 75 to 85 knots—when below 3,000 feet. Above 3,000 feet, lean the mixture for smooth operation and for maximum rpm.
Cruise
Cruise altitude would normally be determined by winds, weather, and other factors. You might want to use these factors in your flight planning if you have created weather systems along your route. Optimum altitude is the altitude that gives the best fuel economy for a given configuration and gross weight. A complete discussion about choosing altitudes is beyond the scope of this section. However, a good rule to bear in mind is that an airplane with a normally aspirated engine is most efficient between 6,000-8,000 feet. That altitude range gives the best tradeoff between available power, fuel economy, and true airspeed.
Ideal cruise settings for the 172SP are between 45 and 75 percent power. When above 3,000 feet, lean the mixture for optimum performance. (For more information, see Controlling the Engine.)
Descent and Approach
Reduce power to 2,100 rpm, and set the airplane up for a descent rate of approximately 450 feet per minute.
Landing
On final approach, plan for a landing speed of 65 knots with full flaps. Select a point just past the runway threshold, and aim for it. Adjust your pitch so that the point remains stationary in your view out the windscreen. Leave the power at approximately 1,500 rpm, and fly the airplane down to the runway. Keep the nose off the ground, and slowly bring back the throttle completely while you flare just above the runway. Touch down with the back wheels first. With less than full flaps, expect a bit of float in the flare.
Upon touchdown, apply brakes by pressing the PERIOD key. Exit the runway, and retract the wing flaps.