Touch & Go procedure
Asked by: awair 1773 views Aerodynamics, Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Private Pilot, Student Pilot
Looking for guidance, suggestions or critique on Touch & Go procedures…
I’ve always taught, and was taught, to apply power first, and then raise (drag) flap. If you rotate before this, remaining in ground effect is an option. The rationale is two-fold: “fly the airplane”, don’t waste valuable runway or risk mis-configuration by rushing because power hasn't been set; and secondly, power first is treating the manoeuvre the same as a Go-Around or Balked landing.
In multi-crew operations, the Pilot Monitoring will raise the flaps, set stab trim etc, while thrust is advanced (but not necessarily set for takeoff). But we shouldn’t try to treat these two worlds the same! While I would be comfortable either way in an SEL with typical runway length, I’m less inclined to delay application of power in a light twin.
Recently on several checkouts at different locations, instructors have appeared somewhat alarmed/startled that flaps were not raised first. My fault, I should have briefed it. After explaining the rationale, they appear to accept this alternative.
Is there a best practise or recommendation, or is it just “we've always done it this way…”?
What should I be teaching? Risk management would suggest power first, and the POH doesn’t mention the manoeuvre, only the go-around procedure.
Appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thank you.
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