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Old 1st Jun 2006, 23:25
  #29 (permalink)  
Dave Spart
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Neasden
Age: 64
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Originally Posted by A38lephant
Great post PP. Showing my ignorance here - what is Bug?
'Bug' is the target speed you're aiming to fly. The bug itself a little orange pointer on a Boeing with a conventional (clockwork) airspeed indicator or a magenta line with electronic instruments.

On final approach you're typically allowed a -5 or +10 knot margin, although in reality -0 or +5 is much more agreeable and Pilot Pete would probably get somewhat nervous with anything less that -1 or -2 near to the ground. If the speed is low, a hard landing is more likely because of a lack of elevator authority when the pilot flares by pulling back on the control column to cushion the touchdown. If the speed is high, the aircraft tends to 'float' along the runway during the landing manoeuvre before the landing gear touches down, using up valuable runway length in the process.
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