This exercise is used to develop the skill of executing a landing with a normal end point without the use of spoilers or flaps for glidepath control. Spoilers can become jammed or ineffective for a number of reasons. Pilots still should be able to effectively control the glidepath and safely land the aircraft in normal size fields. This is an advanced exercise which when done properly requires the use of the sideslip to maintain a safe angle on the approach path (there could be obstructions). Two problems arise. First the pilot must judge how much sideslip to use, and secondly steep sideslips cannot be maintained close to the ground. The general approach to a successful spoiler-less landing requires judging the roundout point for a normal landing using spoilers (2), and then moving this point closer to the threshold by several hundred feet to compensate for the lack of drag when the full sideslip will have to be ended (1).The outline for this exercise is:
- Student checked on performance until glider on downwind.
- Downwind entered with a bit extra height, and downwind leg extended slightly to provide a longer than normal final leg.
- Student coached on exclusive use of sideslip while on the extended final leg.
- Instructor coaches student on when to exit the full sideslip.
- Student performance on rest of flight checked.
Other than the mechanics, the instructor should be very cautious and not allow the glide path to become too high or too low in this exercise. Remember if the student doesn’t react promptly, take over! Don’t run out of runway, carry a steep sideslip too close to the ground, or maintain dangerously high sink rates. With less confident students this may be a case where a demonstration with them following through on the controls is in order.