Newsgroups: rec.aviation.student
Subject: PAPI/VASI question
From: jbolinger@lintek.com (J L Bolinger)
Organization: AeroFlex Lintek
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Date: 25 Nov 1998 13:18:09 -0500
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Heres something for the group to discuss....


Last week, during a night lesson, I was making an approach to runway 24
at MNN.  This has a 4 light PAPI (one bar with 4 lights).  My instructor
said to not pay any attention to it.  His reason was that it was designed
for larger aircraft that come in low and fast.  We were coming in high and 
slow, at least compared to a Saratoga or Citation.

Our home field, 4I9, has a single light VASI (I hope I don't have the
terms reversed), which always seems to be just right for a 172.

My question is, being it is usually dark at night ;-), what is wrong with
following the lights as it is supposed to keep you out of the trees?

My CFI did say that if you are going into an unfamiliar field at night
it is better to do a steep descent as you do not know what is out there.

Again, what is wrong with following the lights (assuming the field has
them)?

Jim

