Flying Tip: Make Your Flying Smoother With Target Power Settings

Want to fly the plane manually as smooth as if the autopilot and autothrottles were still engaged? Try using target engine power settings. One of the most difficult things to do for a pilot is speed managment. Along with a good panel scan knowing the target power settings for different configurations and airspeeds is important and will reduce your workload dramatically.

For a given airframe configuration there will be a power setting required to maintain a given airspeed. For example if you want to maintain 200kts in the clean configuration at a given weight there will be a power setting that will get you close to the target airspeed. There are always variables like density altitude, aircraft weight and CG but a target power setting will get you closer to your target than guestimating.

There are 2 important target power settings you should be aware of. The first target power setting is the one required to get you to the minimum manouvering speed in the clean configuration. The second is the power setting required to give you the required rate of descent needed to maintain a 3 degree glideslope with flaps and gear in the landing configuration. The last thing you want is to be hunting for a power setting on the glideslope which can destabilize the approach.

The way to determine the target power settings is climb to a reasonable altitude engage the autopilot and set the airframe configuration. Adjust thrust manually or allow the auto throttles to set the thrust for you. Note the thrust setting it takes to give you the airspeed you are looking for. It is also important to note the weight of the aircraft. As aircraft weight changes you will have to increase or decrease the power setting from the target setting. Changes will be minimal compared to flying without a target power setting.

Be realistic when looking for target power settings. Don't look for a target power setting to maintain a 3 degree glideslope at takeoff weights. Choose a weight close to a realistic landing weight to derive a realistic target power setting.

When ATC tells you to "descend and maintain 7000" you can slow to 250kts set your target power 300' above level off and be at your target airspeed every time with minor adjustments. You won't have to rely on the autopilot/autothrottles to do the work for you. There is a minimum level of airmanship, profficiency and proffesionalism that needs to be demonstrated on a checkride/proficiency check. This is one tool proffesional pilots use to stay ahead of the aircraft and show control. Control of airspeed is one of the first skills we are taught as a new pilot in training. The larger the aircraft the more important these target power settings become. Find out the target power settings for your aircraft, memorize them and use them. Your flying will be smoother and more satisfying. After all this should be fun!