Update/Rearrange 172S GAIT IAP values

[svaldes]

Give me a sanity-check on the IAP organization and values.

I was looking for numbers for my own in-flight guide and came to this page. I thought the IAP labels were too prescriptive (I might use the dirty-0FPM row at the MDA or while driving to ZOTPI) but then I created a whole prescriptive system of my own...and now I'm doubting myself. I'll measure the actual values on Thursday but I'd love your thoughts.

The "dive" rows (both on the main branch and this branch) have the dirty configuration taking less power (1500) than the clean dive (1700) while holding the same KIAS and FPM, which seems fishy.

[johnjackoleary]

Oh cool, I really like how you’ve broken it up. And nice timing, I had just been reflecting on this table after working with a client on a Saratoga checkout. They had a pretty different framing for each of the rows, I think a little closer to what you’re suggesting. I’ll ask him for a copy of it and we can put our heads together on a best version.

The original idea was more prescriptive, essentially that on an approach you pass a series of configuration changes. The gait chart would then help you remember both the timing of the configuration change, and what that new configuration was.

But in practice, I end up mentally mapping it to something more like what you have. I think decoupling it from a particular view on when to make configuration changes would be much better, especially as I’ve been flying faster planes were you typically wouldn’t change to a dirty configuration until much later on the approach.

There’s also a template gait chart, which would be great to update as the baseline once we like the rows.

[johnjackoleary]

I think better to leave this off. Typically I have people add this to their new board, either as a printout or digital, so trying to keep it to just quick reference things

[johnjackoleary]

The numbers on here are a first draft for the Saratoga, so basically you can ignore them. But the rows and color coding I thought were clever as another presentation.

“Cruise” configurations are really my “Flaps Up” gaits, with normal, 90-knot, and descending variants, and my “Approach” configurations are really my “Flaps 10” gaits: level, 3-degree (normal), and 5-degree (steep) descents. I typically drop flaps and transition to the yellow Approach gaits (regardless of level or descending flight) as I cross the IAF or intercept final. At least that’s the idea. I feel like the flaps distinction made it a little easier to pick out where I wanted to be on the Gaits Chart in the terminal environment.

Other charts I’ve seen rely on descriptions like Precision vs. Non-Precision or based on approach segment. I find it easier to think in terms of steepness and vary from there.

Phase of Flight	Flaps	Pitch	MP	RPM	Airspeed(KIAS)	VSI(fpm)
Takeoff – Rotation	25°	Rotate	WOT	2700	65(58-66)
Climb – Obst. Clearance	25°	+15°	WOT	2700	70(61-71)	+750
Climb – Initial (VY)	Up@ 90 KIAS	+12°	WOT	2700	90	+1000
Climb – Cruise	Up	+6°	WOT	2600	110	+500
Cruise – Normal (75%)See Power Setting Tables	Up	+1°	Up to26.4”	2400	130145 KIAS	0
Cruise – Slow	Up	+3°	17.5”	2400	90	0
Cruise – Descent	Up	-1°	15.5”	2400	120	-500
Approach – Level Off	10°	+4°	18”	2400	90	0
Approach – Normal (3°)	10°	+2.5°	13.5”	2400	90	-500
Approach – Steep (5°)	10°	+1°	11”	2400	90	-800
Pattern – Downwind	Up	4°	19”	2400	100	0
10°	+1°	15”	-500
Pattern – Base	25°	Level	15”	2400	90	-500
Pattern – Short Final	40°	Level	13”	2400	80	-500
Go Around	40° àUp@ 80 KIAS	+12°	WOT	Max	80 à 90	+1000
Power Off Glide	Up	Level	Idle	Min	80	-1100

[svaldes]

The color coding is super helpful...narrows in on phase-of-flight immediately. I don't have strong opinions about the "right" way to do it, but it sounds like you're configured for the entire approach whereas I'm getting training from someone who puts flaps in 2 miles from the FAF, which means flying "cruise-slow" on the approach course and after one descent is done. Anyways, see you soon!