Thrust on during flare...Q for AIRBUS test pilots...
Any Airbus test pilots out there?
I've noticed quite a few pilots in my company who, when flying a manual thrust approach, will leave thrust on during the flare after noticing sink or turbulence approaching the flare…sometimes resulting in either floating, or a firm landing.
Is there ANY reason to leave thrust on during the flare? Can you confirm that correct technique is to use thrust to compensate (aggressively if required) for a sudden sink approaching the flare, but not to maintain thrust on during the entire flare maneuver? This results in 3 or 4 "RETARD" calls.