Originally Posted by
H Peacock
oh dear me. The entire aviation world understands the concept of 'kicking off the drift' except Beagle!
The terminology IS important.
In the 90s the USAF lost a C130 doing asymmetric training because the training Captain told the Co pilot to ‘boot the ball’ - which he did leading to fin stall and the loss of all on board.
The worst landing I have experienced in a large aircraft came when an inexperienced FO read the OM which said words to the effect of ‘kick off the drift’. As he flared he did just that! We dropped like a brick, bounced (despite ground spoiler deployment) before settling on the runway. Easyjet at the hold even transmitted a disparaging comment!
To answer the original quote, though. The RAF do not have a standard teaching, the technique deemed appropriate for each type, whether by the OEM or Handling Sqn, is taught. So for the Herc, which has to be landed straight due to undercarriage design, it is wing down. For Sentry, Sentinel etc, it is crab.