36 1 2 3 1. Strong Wind Set up closest base for  steeper glideslope on final 2. Medium Wind Set up closer base for  steeper glideslope on final 3. Light Wind Set up normal base for  normal final Figure 8-25.  Plan the base leg for wind conditions. rectangular pattern at approximately 1,000 feet above the  ground or at normal traffic pattern altitude. The airplane  is flown on a downwind leg at the same distance from the  landing surface as in a normal traffic pattern. The before  landing checklist should be completed on the downwind  leg, including extension of the landing gear if the airplane  is equipped with retractable gear. so that upon rolling out of the turn, the airplane is aligned  with the runway centerline. When on final approach, the  wing flaps are lowered and the pitch attitude adjusted, as  necessary, to establish the proper descent angle and airspeed  (1.3 V$_{SO}$), then the controls trimmed. Slight adjustments in  pitch attitude or flaps setting are used as necessary to control  the glide angle and airspeed. However, never try to stretch the  glide or retract the flaps to reach the desired landing spot. The  final approach may be made with or without the use of slips. After a medium-banked turn onto the base leg is completed,  the throttle is retarded slightly and the airspeed allowed to  decrease to the normal base-leg speed.  [Figure 8-26]  On the  base leg, the airspeed, wind drift correction, and altitude are  maintained while proceeding to the 45° key position. At this  position, the intended landing spot appears to be on a 45°  angle from the airplane’s nose. After the final-approach glide has been established, full  attention is then given to making a good, safe landing rather  than concentrating on the selected landing spot. The base- leg position and the flap setting already determined the  probability of landing on the spot. In any event, it is better to  execute a good landing 200 feet from the spot than to make  a poor landing precisely on the spot. The pilot can determine the strength and direction of the wind  from the amount of crab necessary to hold the desired ground  track on the base leg. This helps in planning the turn onto the  final approach and in lowering the correct number of flaps. At the 45° key position, the throttle is closed completely,  the propeller control (if equipped) advanced to the full  increase revolution per minute (rpm) position, and altitude  maintained until the airspeed decreases to the manufacturer’s  recommended glide speed. In the absence of a recommended  speed, use 1.4 V$_{SO}$. When this airspeed is attained, the nose  is lowered to maintain the gliding speed and the controls  trimmed. The base-to-final turn is planned and accomplished  The 180° power-off approach is executed by gliding with  the power off from a given point on a downwind leg to a  preselected landing spot.  [Figure 8-27]  It is an extension of  the principles involved in the 90° power-off approach just  described. The objective is to further develop judgment in  estimating distances and glide ratios, in that the airplane is  flown without power from a higher altitude and through a  90° turn to reach the base-leg position at a proper altitude  for executing the 90° approach. 8-23 180° Power-Off Approach