" I have never had a student who hasn't been able to land when following that advice. Since we use our peripheral vision to judge our rate of descent to the ground, looking at the cowling is a pretty daft idea! "
Well you have me there as I have never taught that you use peripheral vision to judge height, nor have I ever taught them to look at the far end of the runway, ( obviously the far end may be in in their peripherial vision but I except for attitude conformation I fail to see how looking that far ahead gives you an accurate picture of your height above the runway......
I teach the use of peripheral vision for attitude control ( pitch and bank ) and the center of vision area for height and velocity judgement which should be at the point ahead of you down the runway or beside same where apparent movement ceases....works for me from Cubs to heavy jets.
But what ever works for you then by all means use it.
Chuck E.