Whether you’re a novice student or a seasoned pilot, here are some tips that can come in handy for your next stop-and-go landing.
Little Guidance from the FAA Books
You won’t find specific instructions on stop-and-go landings in either the Airplane Flying Handbook or the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. The AIM offers a brief mention, stating that a stop-and-go landing involves landing, coming to a complete stop on the runway, and then taking off from that point. Additionally, in a separate safety document, the FAA says to only do this with sufficient runway length and after coordinating with Air Traffic Control and/or other pilots at non-towered airports.
So, how should you execute it?
Flying the Stop-And-Go
Stop-and-go landings are rather straightforward. You’ll carry out a normal approach for landing, then stop on the runway instead of exiting, reconfigure for takeoff, and commence the takeoff roll.
Obviously, the most crucial aspect of this maneuver is ensuring you have enough space to complete both the landing and the subsequent takeoff. After all, you don’t want to transform it into a soft-field takeoff as you roll onto the grass at the end of the runway.
But once you’ve conducted your performance calculations and are confident in the amount of runway space available, it’s time to consider the next important part: communication.
Especially if you’re flying at a non-towered airport, it’s essential to inform other pilots as soon as possible if you’re doing a stop-and-go. The airplanes around you need to adjust their pattern work and sequence themselves to the runway based on the type of landing you’re performing.
Take Your Time, But Not Too Much
While you should be prompt on the runway, don’t rush the reconfiguration. That said, don’t spend so much time on the runway that it turns into a “camp-and-go”.
If you encounter a problem while on the runway or need more time, let other airplanes or ATC know immediately. And as always, if you’re not ready for the next takeoff, exit the runway, taxi back, and prepare for a full-length takeoff.
Perfect for Short Field Practice, Necessary for Night Currency
Stop-and-go landings are ideal for short field landings and takeoffs. Unlike a touch-and-go where you don’t come to a complete stop, a stop-and-go allows you to fully execute the maneuver.
How you handle the controls and braking during the stop is a crucial part of short field practice, and we have more on that aspect of the maneuver here.
If you’re obtaining night currency, you need to come to a complete stop for each landing, so this is another great opportunity to utilize your stop-and-go skills.
So, What Can Go Wrong?
Stop-and-go landings are typically slower-paced than touch-and-go landings, so there aren’t as many reconfiguration or loss of control incidents. However, stop-and-go landings do lead to go-arounds quite often. Here’s what can go wrong, as detailed in this NASA ASRS report…
I was observing my student pilot solo for the second time in an uncontrolled pattern. Initially, he was the only one flying until another airplane joined the pattern for landing practice. Listening to the radio, this pilot announced landing as “the option” for Runway XX. My solo student did a great job extending his downwind to give the other pilot room for landing. However, it turned out that this new aircraft stopped on the runway and took a long time during a stop-and-go landing.
As my student was on short final, and the preceding airplane hadn’t started the takeoff roll, so my student announced “go-around” and began his climb. At the same time, the pilot on the runway initiated his takeoff roll. I’m not sure if this pilot was completely unaware of his surroundings with another airplane going around overhead. From my vantage point, it was difficult to tell if my student deviated the go-around to the side of the runway. The other pilot lifted off below my student, climbing towards his flight path. Fortunately, the climb was slow, otherwise, it could have resulted in a very serious midair collision.
In situations like this, going around with an offset to the right of the runway is critical.
When’s the Last Time You Practiced One?
Do you have anything to add about stop-and-go landings? Leave us a comment below!
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