PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Descent - Hold off - Flare
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Old 6th May 1999 | 22:11
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pilotbear
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Make sure the approach is good. Be relaxed on the aproach with the correct airspeeds. That is the key to good landings
Practice flying the runway at 15-20 ft looking ahead (along the side of the nose not over it) Not down at the ground.
Get the general feel for where you are.
I dont know if you drive a car but think about where you look when you do. Into the distance not at the road 10 ft ahead (or maybe you do)

I always think of flaring as trying to keep the aircraft flying until it wants to land. Don't try to land it! let the the speed just decay naturally. All you are doing by flaring is slowing down the decsent and then keeping the aircraft flying while it slows down.

When you flare don't expect to land immediately, halt the descent and let the aircraft fly the runway until it wants to land. (Providing your airspeed is correct - good approach)
The slower you fly the higher nose up (angle of attack) attitude you need for the same lift therefore the more gentle backwards movement of the Yoke.
Also remember that at slower speeds bigger control movements are needed (still smooth though).
Ideally on the point of touchdown in a C152 you will have the yoke right back into your stomach.
This doesn't mean that the nose will be pointing skywards it is that as you are going so slowly you need a lot more elevator deflection to fly straight and level.
If you let everything happen gently it will land itself.

Everyone (except superman) takes time to get the hang of landings. Even now if the approach is rushed the landing is crap.
Don't let your instructor bully you into doing something you sure not sure of.
Get him/her to explain why you are doing things not just show you how
Keep asking until you understand.

hope this helps, but you will develop your own individual style
good luck
Pilotbear