Example Circuit
Student Flexwing Microlight Pilots will initially start practicing Airfield Circuits.
The student pilot will take off, fly round the "circuit" and land (or do a "touch and go") This gives the pilot experience in taking off, practicing flying in an environment with other aircraft and then landing again. For this example, I have documented the procedure from starting to parking, including examples of Radio calls.
All Pilots should go through safety checks before starting the aircraft, before take off, and during flight. Most instructors will use Mnemonics to make checks and procedures easier to remember. Some instructors use slightly different ones, but they will all be pretty similar.
Aircraft Pre-Flight checks
Before any flight a pilot should perform ground checks to satisfy him/her self that the aircraft is fit to fly. (See Menu)
Pre-start
Before starting the aircraft up, pilots will use pre start check: (See Menu)
Radio Call on Apron (Perth)
As an example, this is a typical radio call at Perth Airport after starting the aircraft.
Pilot: "Perth Radio, this is Golf Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta, requesting Radio Check and Airfield Information for circuits, 1 POB (persons on board) with 2 hours endurance (flying time).
Perth Radio: "Golf Charlie Delta **, good morning, Readability 5 (loud and clear), runway two seven right, QFE one zero zero two, QNH one, zero one six
**** G-ABCD can be abbreviated to Golf Charlie Delta only after Radio Operator has said it first” **
Pilot: (Reads back to confirm): "runway two seven right, QFE one zero zero two, QNH one, zero one six, Golf Charlie Delta"
The Pilot now knows what runway is currently being used and the altimeter settings.
Radio Call - Moving to Holding Point for Checks
Pilot: "Golf Charlie Delta Taxying to holding point Charlie for Checks" **
Perth Radio: "Golf Charlie Delta" (just an acknowledgement that your transmission was received)
Pilot Checks at Holding Point
At the holding point, the pilot will turn the Microlight into the wind, while not blocking the holding point (to allow other aircraft to continue if they have completed their own checks. The pilot will perform pre-takoff check (See Menu)
Radio Call - Prepare for Take Off
In this scenario, the pilot will be using runway two seven (right). The closest holding point will be "Charlie". The pilot will want to use as much of the runway as possible, so needs to taxi up to the end of the runway and then turn ready for take off. This is called "Backtracking" the runway. The pilot will listen to the radio to identify any aircraft that is on the circuit (either downwind or final). He will also make sure he checks visually to see if there is any aircraft that could affect him taking off.
Pilot: " Golf Charlie Delta entering and backtracking 27 for departure"
Perth Radio: "Golf Charlie Delta" ( just an acknowledgement that your call was received)
Radio Call - Taking Off
Pilot: "Golf Charlie Delta taking off runway two seven"
Perth Radio: "Golf Charlie Delta wind (xx) at (xx) Knots"
** the words "Take-off" should only be used when actually taking off. For instance pilot would "Backtrack for departure" - not "backtrack for take off"
Pilot Checks - In Flight (all flights)
- Pilot will perform in flight checks (See Menu)
Radio Check - Report Downwind
Pilots should broadcast on the radio when they on the downwind leg of a circuit to let other aircraft know where you are and your intention. This allows other aircraft to make decisions based on your location and what you are planning to do:
Pilot: "Golf Charlie Delta downwind runway two seven for touch and go (or to land)
Perth Radio: "Golf Charlie Delta" (just an acknowledgement that your transmission has been received)
Downwind Checks
While on the downwind leg, the Pilot will perform some safety checks in preparation for landing. (See Menu)
Radio Check - Final
When on the final approach to land (or touch and go) the pilot will let the surrounding aircraft and Perth Radio know:
Pilot: "Golf Charlie Delta final runway two seven" to land (or Touch and Go)
Perth Radio: "Golf Charlie Delta wind (xx) at (xx) knots"
Aircraft Shutdown Procedure
When parking the aircraft, consideration is made to the wind direction. Different aircraft will be parked differently: Some will be parked with the wing dropped down into the wind (so wind doesn't lift aircraft) some with smaller wings will be parked with the wing level. All wings should be secured so it cannot move, and the foot brake lock applied. The Mags should be switched off (to stop the engine) and the radio switched off. Ignition should be switched off.