## 4 Results and Analysis
### Stabilised Approach: Analysis
#### 4.3.2. Stabilised Approach: General Analysis
Whilst this study does not particularly focus on night-time operations, this bit of context was important, as pilots have a higher workload at night [96], so any chosen strategies for the approach phase would be more applicable then. Table 10 presents the distribution in answers; pilots who answered 'other' discussed keeping a very concise circuit pattern and using an \"up-moon\" position where possible to aid orientation and visibility. Within the results, two options proved most popular amongst pilot responses. These were maintaining a constant approach speed and rate of descent and using PAPI/VASI lights for glide path guidance. PAPI lights were also discussed during the roundtable discussions; some instructors found that students relying solely on the lights may set up incorrectly, as these systems are typically configured for the largest aircraft expected at the airfield. However, they are a useful tool, especially at night. There is also a risk associated with becoming a \"local\" pilot, which was discussed at the Rockcliffe roundtable discussion. If pilots can only replicate a circuit based on landmarks, then they will remain confined to an airfield, as they may struggle to adapt to unfamiliar aerodromes. Therefore, it is vital \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l c} \hline \hline
**Answer** & **Proportion** \\ \hline Use PAPI/VASI lights for glide path guidance & 36\% \\ when available & 38\% \\ Maintain a constant approach speed and rate of & 18\% \\ descent as per aircraft specifications & \\ Regular practice night flying and approaches to & 18\% \\ unfamiliar airport & 8\% \\ Other & \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 10: What strategies do you employ to ensure a stable approach, especially during night operations? Select all that apply. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l c} \hline \hline
**How About When You Are Familiar with the Aerodrome, But You Know There Are Potential Hazards** & **Number of** \\
**like Power Lines? Select all That Apply.** & **Responses** \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 9: Familiar approach with hazards. that pilots can establish a stabilised approach image without using external factors such as landmarks or lights and can construct a mental model of the approach based solely on runway geometry. This leads to the final survey question on stabilised approach, ensuring situational awareness when approaching an unfamiliar aerodrome, shown in Table 11.  
Conducting an overfly and carrying out a comprehensive pre-landing briefing were the most frequently selected strategies among respondents. This remains consistent with the answers to the question in which there were hazards mentioned on approach. NOTAMs, satellite imagery (e.g., Google Maps), and peer consultation were also options suggested by pilots in the survey. The role and importance of a brief were discussed extensively in both roundtable discussions; at Rockcliffe airport, one pilot suggested incorporating this into downwind checks, setting aim and touchdown points, the latter normally 1/3 into the runway. Additionally, a pilot at Smiths Falls highlighted how a briefing before approach is not always covered in GA like it is in other parts of aviation, and that this mental briefing is needed before approach. In turn, the briefing should lead to a better-prepared approach, allowing pilots to configure well for a landing.