PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Hard Landing - was it serious?
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Old 9th May 2014, 23:03
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PAXboy
Paxing All Over The World
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Hertfordshire, UK.
Age: 67
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flipperb There are several threads on this topic that the Search function will turn up and some contain a lot of detail.

One of the problems for the pilot is that the final decision to land or go around, has to be made 20/30 seconds before the wheels meet the ground. In that time, wind can do many unexpected things so that a descent rate of 'n' feet per second can become 'n x2' or 'n = 0' or 'n +' feet per second!

Once the wheels have touched the ground the usual procedure (I'm not a pilot) is to ensure that the machine stays on the ground - even if there is a small bounce. That is because the aircraft is now configured for landing and the engines have been slowed down to 'idle'. The option of 'going around' is not there because it would take the engines anything between 6 and 10 seconds to develop enough power - during which you would be skating and drifting.

Also, as said above, if there is rain on the runway and wind around, the procedure is always to plant the aircraft on the ground to ensure firm contact and get the brakes doing their stuff.

In development, the aircraft will have been deliberately subjected to considerably 'stronger' landings that you and I are likely to encounter. A true 'heavy' landing is rare and the criteria are well documented in other threads.

Nowadays, flights are so (generally) smooth throughout all phases that even slight variations can make pax feel anxious.
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