Originally Posted by
FlyerJosh
Usually approaching an uncontrolled field (in the CRJ), I would fly to about 3.5 miles before "entering the pattern". Personally, I like to keep things fast until this point, and have no problem with speed around 230-250 depending on the pattern to be flown.
I'd plan on entering the pattern about 2500' AGL, 210 knots and turning downwind. Flaps to 8, then 20, gear down will slow things down quick, start your descent, turn for the runway (I'd often fly direct to the 2 mile final), flaps 30 and 45.
Rollout on speed, on glideslope right at 500' AGL (which was my company's minimum for stabilized visuals). No problem.
If you know how to manage the plane and the airspeed, 4 miles out and unconfigured (even on final) isn't a big deal as long as you aren't trying to descend and slow at the same time. Heck- in the CRJ I've done 250 to the marker before on the straight in. It's not the most comfortable, but can be done if the crew knows what they're doing.
I'm guessing the controller freaked a bit early.
Yes, it can be done that way... but aren't we all paid by the hour? Why are you running her on the ragged edge, making your pax a bit uneasy, and just barely meeting MINIMUM requirements, all in the name of getting on the ground a minute earlier? Just slow it down, lest you end up making a CAL-esque mistake and set her down on the parallel taxiway becuase you thought rolling onto final at 500' is fun. Have I done 250 to the marker before? Sure, in the sim. In the real world, I would never to 250 to the marker unless there was an emeregency. And ATC spacing is not my emergency. I know that kinda flying can be fun, but do it when you are alone up there. You got people in the back who are paying for a safe ride, not one where the pilots are screwing around for fun. That is part of being a professional aviator. You have to know what your job is, and who you are flying for.