Why did my plane touch and go?

Touch-and-Go Maneuvers in Aviation

Introduction

In the realm of aviation, pilots often engage in touch-and-go maneuvers as part of their training or proficiency checks. These maneuvers involve landing the aircraft on a runway, momentarily coming to a complete stop, and then immediately taking off again. Understanding the purpose and execution of touch-and-goes is crucial for pilots to enhance their flying skills.

Purpose of Touch-and-Gos

Touch-and-gos serve multiple purposes, primarily aimed at refining pilots’ landing and takeoff techniques. By practicing these maneuvers repeatedly, pilots can develop proficiency in controlling the aircraft during the critical phases of flight. Touch-and-gos allow pilots to:

• Master the art of precise landings, aiming for a smooth and controlled touchdown.
• Refine their takeoff procedures, ensuring a smooth rotation and climb.
• Practice decision-making and situational awareness, as conditions may vary from one touch-and-go to another.

Execution of Touch-and-Gos

A successful touch-and-go maneuver typically entails the following steps:

1. Approach and Landing: The pilot approaches the runway and follows the established landing pattern. A precise landing is executed, aiming for the desired touchdown point and maintaining a stable descent rate.
2. Rollout and Stop: Upon landing, the pilot applies braking to decelerate the aircraft. A complete stop is crucial before commencing the takeoff.
3. Takeoff Preparation: Once the aircraft has come to a complete stop, the pilot prepares for takeoff by setting the engine power and flap configuration.
4. Takeoff: The pilot increases engine power, rotates the aircraft into a climb, and accelerates to the required speed.

Factors Influencing Touch-and-Gos

Certain factors can impact the execution of touch-and-gos, including:

• Runway Length: The length of the runway can influence the time available for the rollout and stop. Shorter runways may require more precise landings to avoid overrunning.
• Landing Timing: A slightly late landing can result in a shorter rollout distance, which might prompt the pilot to initiate the takeoff sooner than intended.

Conclusion

Touch-and-go maneuvers are valuable training exercises for pilots, enabling them to sharpen their landing and takeoff skills. By adhering to the correct procedures and considering the influencing factors, pilots can safely and effectively execute touch-and-gos, enhancing their overall flying proficiency.