PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - why oh why does flaring suck the lemon :-(
Old 3rd November 2014 | 00:28
  #54 (permalink)  
9 lives
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Joined: Jan 2008
: CPL
Posts: 650
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From: Canada
So that's why I've seen people in the front row upstairs, pulling on that bar across in front of them!

Think of flaring like this:

You're gliding down toward the runway, everything is stable, and perfect. You're wisely carrying a little extra energy as a few knots for the wife and kids ('cause you're gliding, and cannot burp in a bit of power when you realize you're too low/slow). But, you're going down. You don't want to contact the runway at the rate of descent you have in the glide.

So, you're going to have to arrest that rate of descent to contact gently, rather than a thump. Doing this is to add lift to overcome the gravity which is pulling you to earth. You can't add lift by adding power, 'cause for this discussion, you got none. So all you have is that bit of reserve speed where your energy is stored. You've got only one chance to spend that energy, 'cause when you spend it, it's gone. So don't let it dribble away (losing speed on final) or spend it too early, by flaring early. Your flare, is when you begin to spend. Spend it wisely. If you have too little, spend it all steadily. If you have too much, spend some, then hold, and spend the rest a little (seconds) later. Your flare is just you momentarily arresting a rate of descent, to touch down neatly, seconds later.....
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