Patents 6,271,769 B1 & 6,940,425 www.Advanced-Flight-Systems.com Phone:(503) 263-0037
EFIS Engine Monitor Moving Map
AOA Autopilot Approach Plates
BRADY LANE
request was granted, and I prepared to land on my
first 1 ,000-foot beach, just like Paul advised. I imag-
ined the green dot was the beginning of my beach and
Taxiway Alpha was the end of it.
I nailed it! If the paint were fresh, there
would’ve been bright green marks on my tires. I let
out a big “Yeah!” and pumped my fist in the air.
This wasn’t Valdez, but you couldn’t have convinced me at that moment.
Spot landings are a critical component of any
short-field landing. Alaskan pilots know this and have
perfected their spot landings out of necessity. A 600-
foot gravel bar is no good if you float past half of it.
I’m jealous of the challenges Alaskan pilots face
on a regular basis and the places they get to fly. The
entire state is a big playground for pilots. But being
there for just one weekend and watching the precision landings was enough to inspire me to work on
my short-field skills.
Whether you fly off a backcountry airstrip in
Idaho or, like me, off a runway long enough to land an
Airbus A380, I encourage you to give yourself a challenge. Pick a spot and make your runway into a short
Alaska beach.
Brady Lane, EAA 808095, is a multimedia journalist for EAA and
a sport pilot. To keep up with Brady’s adventures and see video
from his flights, visit www.SportAviation.org.
