PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Cessna 172 landing techniques - what is the difference?
Old 12th Feb 2011, 23:55
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Pilot DAR
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Join Date: Aug 2006
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In any case, in nearly all nosewheel planes, your objective for a normal landing will be to have the aircraft very nearly stalled just as you touch the runway, with good directional control, and a suitable length of runway ahead.

That said, you will be passing through the speed range (during the flare)from a suitable approach speed, to the stall speed of the aircraft for a nice touchdown. With skill, this can be neatly done power off, from however high you wish. If you're still developing that skill, you will find it easier to lengthen the time you have in the flare, to get everything just the way you want it to be for that nice landing.

With an extra long runway, it is actually possible to touch down with considerable power. Pundits will perhaps jump on me, suggesting this is pointless, but on a really cold day, when you don't want to shock cool an engine, it's appropriate to carry some power all the way in.

However, the opportunity to land with power is no excuse for not practicing the skill of a power off gliding landing.

There is no right or wrong way, as long as the end result is a neat, well controlled landing - but, if you're relying on power to carry you to the touchdown point, and it quits, you're going to look foolish if you don't make the runway - you should have been able to under normal circumstances....
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