2-Step Assaults

Originally posted 4/5/08 (this is an update)

I would venture to say that most pilots prefer normal glide path assaults these days. What normal means is relative to each pilot, but somewhere between 2.5 and 3.5 degrees. Some times terrain or other factors bring you in at a higher altitude, closer to the field.

At those times a 2-step approach is required. I have created an Excel worksheet to calculate a two step approach's initial required glidepath and VVI to arrive at a 3° glideslope at 100'AGL & 2000' feet from the threshold.

In the worksheet you can actually choose your 'normal' glideslope and the desired altitude you want to be at when you intercept it.

I'd like a little feedback on this worksheet. The math should be good, but I'd appreciate on any feedback. If you find this useful, I will post a cleaned up final version and a checklist sized tab data for common speeds and approaches.

Click on the title above to download the worksheet.

UPDATE: I got to thinking today... This works pretty good for straight line 2-step assaults, but what about for a turning approach? Say off the perch or desent to final. What is my required VVI to intercept my desired final? I added some of that math at the bottom of the worksheet to add that feature. Let me know what you think.

-RC