 Landings - Help!
Trevor Cudmore wrote:
> Also
> just before touch-down, I find myself starting to yaw to one side of the
> run-way.
This happens to me sometimes too. I think its because of the right
turning tendencies are reversed since the engine is idle, but I'm no
aerodynamics expert. Coordination is vital, especially on crosswind
landings.
Right now I have something like 180 landings logged and I'm just now
beginning to get really good at smooth landings. My instructors have
always told me to look long and wide down the runway when in the flare.
They say it gives you a better idea of how high you are above the
ground. This is key. I never really embraced this bit of advice until
recently. As you feel yourself sink, gradually give it more back
pressure until you feel the wheels slide onto the ground.
And one more thing. Do not look at any of the dials on your panel after
you reach short final (unless you are in IMC or something). Doing great
landings is all about feel. As long as you are established on a glide
slope of appropriate trim/power setting/flap setting/etc. you don't need
to touch a thing. I guess it depends on the specific plane you are in,
but most will stay in that state right until you specifically change
something yourself (this is called static stability). Some instructors
will tell you to glance at the panel ever so often while on final to
make sure everything is OK, which I think is fine, but I personally can
more easily get that info from looking outside by judging ground
movement. Remember, I'm not a CFI so any other advice given by someone
who is actually qualified to give it trumps mine.
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