Jon Lei,
Just wondering... at a typical flare att, what is the AoB req for an outboard engine contact on the 744's.
As little as 5° to 6° angle of bank can result in a pod strike with the struts fully compressed.
JW411,
The 747 is a "kick-off drift" aeroplane (for very obvious reasons).
Not really true. I've yet to see any swept wing aircraft that will remain wings level if you 'KICK' off the drift. Gently 'PUSHING' off the drift while applying enough into wind aileron to maintain wings level is a different thing. Even having said that, have a look at a cross-wind autoland in the aircraft sometime.... It lands wing down every time. BOTH methods work, and from experience I can tell you that wing down generally results in a less 'agricultural' landing. A firm touchdown will only rapidly compress the oleo's reducing your pod/ ground clearance....Just my 2cents worth.