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Old 7th Jun 2007, 14:08
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mustangsally
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
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"Not very happy," at light weights. How is an airframe "happy or unhappy?"

I think what you maybe referring, is which airframe weight is easier of get a better landing from. Simple, airframes near max landing weight have greater stored energy to consum during the landing event, tending to be more stable from the operators view point. Light aircraft have less energy when compared to the heavier event. Now add some wind, some surface condition, and a tired operator.

I've seen a lot of varied operations. "I'll add x knot cause we are light, or cause I don't think the winds are this or that... " This adds energy back into the airframe. Then the great operator floats down the runway and comments, "See I was right the..... were incorrect."

Large aircraft have significantly varied landing weights. For example, the zero fuel weight plus say 10,000 kg of fuel may give you a landing weight of 175,000 kg, while the max landing weight maybe almost 130,000 kg greater. While your narrow body difference maybe only 25 or 30,000 kg. It all comes back to energy management.

Point, counter point.
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