At most sites, if you are a bit high on
downwind, you may extend downwind and make a longer final approach. This is not
easily done at the Andy Jackson Airpark because of the LZ being so close to the
base of the hill. Being at the right height when turning from downwind onto base
is important at making it an easy approach. Your glideslope while on downwind
may be visually measured using our VASI. (Visual
Approach Slope I
ndicator) Choose a glideslope appropriate for the type of wing you are flying as outlined at the bottom. Start your downwind when the VASI is indicating your glideslope. While on downwind, dive as needed to stay on proper glideslope as you fly directly at the VASI. As you get within a couple hundred feet of the VASI, turn onto base (parallel to the trees).
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As shown at the left, this VASI consists of an 8' tall vertical sign of a white square on top of a red square. Located 24' behind the sign (closer to the hill) is a horizontal white board. The horizontal board is the same elevation as the base of the red & white vertical sign. The glideslope is shown by the pilot seeing where the horizontal line intersects the vertical red and white signs .
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| 3 to 1 |
4 to 1 |
6 to 1 |
8 to 1 |
12 to 1 |
Experience has shown that for most
conditions, splitting the red/white (6:1)
is good for single surface gliders. Intermediate double surfaces should be 3/4 the way up the red (8:1), and competition double surface wings should center the red (12:1), but pilots flying these wing probably don't need the VASI. Conditions also affect glideslope so it is best to think of the VASI as a training aid with the ultimate goal to be able to shoot your approaches by reference only to the landing area.
