Outline:

Learn more about Rod Machado here

1 | Ercoupe Training Techniques

Rod shared insights from his decades of flight instruction, highlighting the difference between procedures and techniques.

• Procedures are standardized; techniques evolve to fit each pilot.

• He described the Ercoupe training experiment from the 1940s, where the aircraft had no rudder pedals—just two-axis control.

• The result: students soloed faster and with more confidence.

• The lesson—simplify where possible. Reducing a student’s workload accelerates learning and builds mastery.

2 | Basic Flight Training Techniques

Rod emphasized establishing a strong foundation in attitude, power, and trim within the first six hours of flight training.

• He teaches proper seating height and control grip early to improve perception and muscle coordination.

• Using 10° flaps in power-off landings gives students extra time for the flare and roundout.

• Training early in the day, when winds are calm, allows consistency and builds confidence before introducing crosswinds.

3 | Landing Height Estimation Techniques

Rod introduced his popular “Pizza Slice” and “Runway Expansion Effect” methods to teach visual height perception.

• The “pizza slice” technique uses peripheral vision left of the engine cowling to locate a stationary point on the runway, helping gauge closure rate.

• The runway expansion effect—where the runway visually widens—is the key moment to begin the roundout.

• He trains students to trust sight and motion cues rather than fixating on instruments or altitude calls.

4 | Landing Techniques and Video Demonstrations

During a Power Hour session, Rod presented videos to demonstrate the runway expansion technique.

• The footage clearly showed when the runway’s edges begin to widen—signaling the perfect time to initiate the flare.

• The visual effect is especially helpful at night or in unfamiliar aircraft.

• Rod also demonstrated “sampling the response,” a small pull-and-release motion of the elevator during flare to fine-tune control.

• This technique helps students understand pitch sensitivity and avoid abrupt control inputs.

5 | Flight Instructor Career and Perspective

Rod discussed his lifelong dedication to flight instruction over airline or military careers.

• He values the personal connection and immediate reward of helping students succeed.

• Rod teaches two-hand control during flare to improve precision and reduce overcontrol.

• He compared today’s learners to earlier generations, noting that technology has changed but learning psychology has not.

• Today’s students respond best to visual explanations, real examples, and structured feedback.

6 | Landing Techniques and Student Training Tips

Rod and Mike discussed how altitude callouts during landings can hurt students rather than help them.

• Students should judge visually, not by fixed altitudes, since every runway and terrain combination affects sight picture differently.

• Power-off landings simplify training for beginners by minimizing variables and focusing on visual judgment.

• Rod advised aiming through the runway numbers during the base-to-final turn to stay on a stable descent path.

• Both Rod and Mike agreed that morning lessons in calm air provide a smoother learning curve and greater confidence.

7 | Flight Safety and Instrumentation Insights

Rod and Mike also discussed modern cockpit tools and their influence on flight instruction.

• Mike warned that pilots can over-rely on technology like radar altimeters or AoA indicators.

• Rod compared the E6B to modern apps: “The E6B sharpens thinking—technology can dull it.”

• They agreed that attitude flying takes precedence over chasing airspeed, especially in turbulence.

• Rudder coordination and attitude control remain foundations of safe, smooth landings.

8 | Landing Techniques and Instructor Advice

Rod reinforced the importance of adaptability in teaching.

• In gusty or crosswind conditions, over-flaring or using full flaps can be dangerous—go around instead.

• Adjust the seat for comfort and clear forward visibility before landing practice.

• For new CFIs, Rod’s advice was clear:

  • “Read broadly, observe others, and adapt each lesson to your student’s learning pace.”

9 | Aircraft Landing Techniques Overview

Rod detailed landing variations across different aircraft types.

• In a Cessna 182, a small power addition smooths airflow and stabilizes control during flare.

• Avoid wingtip vortices by maintaining spacing and staggered approach paths.

• For ultralights, apply quick throttle corrections and gentle rudder pressure to stay aligned.

• Less than full flaps may provide better control and recovery margins.

10 | Landing and Approach Procedures

Rod advised against power-on approaches in light airplanes—reserve them for turbine or jet operations.

• He favors power-off 180s to develop visual judgment and energy management.

• Flap retraction during flare increases sink rate and should be avoided.

• Incorporating shallow turns in a power-off approach teaches wind compensation and runway alignment.

• Fellow instructors suggested seat cushions for smaller pilots to improve sight picture consistency.

11 | Emergency Landing Training

The session also covered how to teach passengers basic landing procedures in emergencies.

• Mike suggested explaining control inputs using car analogies to make it relatable.

• Rod encouraged instructors to show passengers radio use for emergency calls early in training.

• On full- vs partial-flap landings:

  • Full flaps = shorter rollout, more drag, and precise touchdowns.

  • Partial flaps = more flexibility for go-arounds and soft-field techniques.

12 | Tailwheel and Instrument Flying Tips

Rod shared best practices for tailwheel landings and instrument approaches.

• In tailwheel aircraft, maintain a soft-field attitude and keep back pressure after touchdown to prevent bounce.

• Frequent practice sharpens rudder awareness.

• For IFR students, Rod recommended his Instrument Pilot’s Handbook, which explains practical instrument approaches in clear steps.

• Trim to three-quarter throttle during go-arounds for balance before resetting full climb power.

13 | Landing and Glide Procedures Summary

Rod summarized key aerodynamic and procedural principles for all pilots.

• Proper landing requires balancing airspeed, glide attitude, and sight picture.

• The best glide speed occurs when the wing chord aligns with the horizon.

• In simulated engine failures, focus on attitude and visual reference, not instruments.

• Precision and confidence develop from habitual, simple repetition, not over-analysis.