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Old 17th Dec 2011, 18:05
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Zulu Alpha
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Anglia
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I tend to bounce before landing.
Often the bounce isn't really a bounce caused by the springs in the undercarriage.

If you touch down on the main gear with the tail in the air then the mains will stop descending but the tail will continue to descend. This increases the angle of attack of the wings and the aircraft climbs. It feels like the aircraft is bouncing on the undercarriage bit it isn't really this which lifts it back in the air.

To do a good wheel landing, the final approach should be in the 3 point attitude. As soon as you touch down then raise the tail with forward stick. This reduces lift and keeps the wheels on the ground.

I was shown this by an instructor at Amelia Reids and it was the best advice I'd been given.

Of course the opposite effect happens with a nose-wheel aircraft which is why they are "easier".
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