By the PilotLeague Team - MSFS 2024 Advanced Guide
Whether landing on the narrow runway of St. Barth (TFFJ) or a remote alpine airstrip, short field landing is the ultimate test for any pilot. Here, there's no margin for error.
Unlike a Butter Landing, the goal isn't smoothness but bringing the aircraft to a complete stop before the end of the runway. Every meter counts.
Unlike a Butter Landing where you aim for smoothness, here the goal is absolute touchdown zone precision to stop before the runway end.
The PilotLeague app is the perfect tool for bush pilots and short runway enthusiasts. On your dashboard, analyze your "Stopping Efficiency":
PilotLeague gives you precise metrics on every short field landing:
A short field landing starts with a steeper approach and speed perfectly stabilized at the minimum recommended (Vref).
Diagram: STOL landing. The goal is to touch down as early as possible after the threshold.
Every knot over threshold translates to dozens of meters of runway consumed. You must fly at minimum controllable speed (Vref), often with maximum flaps to increase drag.
Unlike a standard approach where you aim for the 1000 ft markers, here you aim for the runway threshold. The goal is to plant the wheels in the first 200 feet of runway. This requires absolute touchdown zone precision.
As soon as the wheels touch, don't wait:
| Criteria | Short Target | PilotLeague Data |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Threshold | < 150 meters (500 ft) | Touchdown Distance |
| Touchdown Speed | Vref - 5 kts | Landing IAS |
| Stopping Distance | Minimized | Ground Roll Distance |
The PilotLeague app is the perfect tool for bush pilots and short runway enthusiasts. On your dashboard, analyze your "Stopping Efficiency":
Apply these techniques in your next flight and track your improvement with PilotLeague.
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