why oh why does flaring suck the lemon :-(
Because 'flaring' isn't a single significant action, but a series of very small pitch up movements, separated by small, but varying 'gaps'.
StepTurn is right to say:
Arrive over the threshold at about the right altitude, and airspeed, and with everything pretty stable.
It's really important to consistently start the process of landing, over the threshhold, at the correct height, airspeed, and in trim.
Then, smoothly reduce the power to idle, and maintain the correct airspeed by lowering the nose slightly.
When the ground starts to seem to rush up towards you, raise the nose a little, just enough to arrest the descent. As the aircraft slows, and sinks again, keep raising the nose in small increments, adjusting the 'gaps' between them to allow the aircraft to sink as little or as much as you need, but each time just enough to arrest the descent. If you overdo this at any point, DO NOT LOWER THE NOSE, but hold the new attitude for a little longer this time. The aircraft will soon slow and start sinkIng again, then carry on as before, until you reach the LANDING ATTITUDE. THEN HOLD THE LANDING ATTITUDE and let the aircraft sink onto the ground without any further pitch up. At the same time, of course, you must also maintain the centreline with the ailerons, and maintain runway alignment with the rudder.
If you don't know what the LANDING ATTITUDE is, ask your instructor to show you. It's the same as the TAKEOFF ATTITUDE. In most types this is with the nose just on, but not covering the horizon. If you are strugling to recognise the LANDING ATTITUDE, then you are probably sitting too low down and need a cushion to lift you up a bit.
As others have said, you will get there with practice, however frustrating it may seem at the moment. Just make sure you have a clear picture of what you are trying to achieve and have everyhing going for you.
MJ
