centerlining

[imapilot]

I have a problem on final. Everytime I think I'm lined up, my CFI keeps yelling at me for not being on the centerline. Some how he can see that I'm lined up with the taxi way when I think I'm lined up with the centerline. Is there a good way to tell if you are centerlined?

/Flying C172R Skyhawks

[SkykingC310]

One thing that you might find helpful is...

As your turning base to final, instead of trying to line yourself up with the approach end of the runway, line yourself up with the departure end of the runway. You'll be much less likely to overshoot and it will help you to stay on centerline throughout the final approach.

[siegelaviation]

Always keep the centerline between your legs. When on final, extend the runway center line out so you can accomplish this. You will ALWAYS be on the centerline.

[mondingo]

First of all , it appears just by wat you saying that you are afraid of the aircraft and you are not flying it, its flying you! First learn how to fly it , dont let it control you! I have to disagree with some of the other posts. putting the lines between you knees sounds good on a standard weather day, and usally there always some wind. The aircraft attitude is not important here, its the aircraft path your intructor is talking about !
The plane your flying is quite dorsal but first learn co- ordinated flight ! Hope this helps!

[spdt75]

Originally Posted by mondingo

putting the lines between you knees sounds good on a standard weather day, and usally there always some wind. The aircraft attitude is not important here, its the aircraft path your intructor is talking about !

"putting the lines between you knees" refers to getting the plane's track aligned with the extended runway centerline ("path"), not attitude.

you will be surprised how the plane automatically finds the runway once you get some more hours in. even more so once you realize that you are automatically peforming crosswind correction (either wing-low or crab, usually the former before the latter) without giving it a thought! just keep working on it, and it will happen. the "centerline between your knees" trick is popular with a lot of people.