Flying Technique - Leveling off at Altitude

Hi there! I can certainly shed some light on this topic. As someone who has been involved with flight simulation and real-world aviation for decades, I've learned a thing or two about flying techniques. To answer your questions, there isn't exactly one "proper" way to level off at your desired altitude, but there are some guidelines and best practices that most pilots follow.

1. The most common method of leveling off at your desired altitude (Flight Level or FL) is to anticipate the leveling off by reducing the rate of climb as you approach the target altitude. This way, you can gently push the nose over and maintain a smooth transition to level flight, avoiding sudden or abrupt changes in attitude or airspeed. It is crucial to pay attention to your Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) to ensure you're leveling off smoothly and effectively.
2. As you mentioned, it is also acceptable to "ease up" to your FL, dropping the nose gradually while maintaining a steady rate of climb. This method is suitable for pilots who want to maintain better control over their airspeed and climb performance, especially when flying aircraft with less powerful engines or when operating in high density altitude conditions.
3. Throttling back to assist in leveling off is not a widely recommended technique, as it can lead to loss of airspeed and may cause the aircraft to enter an unintentional descent. However, once you've leveled off and established a stable cruise attitude, you should adjust the throttle to maintain the appropriate cruise power setting for your aircraft type and flight conditions.

As for resources on flying technique, I highly recommend checking out the FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3B), which is a comprehensive guide to flying techniques and procedures. You can find it online at the FAA's website: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/.

I hope this answers your questions and provides some guidance for proper leveling off techniques. Remember that the key to a smooth and safe flight is always staying ahead of the aircraft, anticipating changes, and maintaining good situational awareness. Safe flying!