I once counted as many as 10 pitch pumps between a jet transport arriving at 50 feet above the runway and touchdown. As the power came to idle (a bit further down the runway than necessary), the copilot planked it down with a predictable, rather heavy kerplunk. All survived. And they could use the 288
Lighten Up Your Landings
I once counted as many as 10 pitch pumps between a jet transport arriving at 50 feet above the runway and touchdown. As the power came to idle (a bit further down the runway than necessary), the copilot planked it down with a predictable, rather heavy kerplunk. All survived. And they could use the airplane again. But theres got to be a better way. Its the last couple hundred feet where many pilots lose the finesse, presuming they had any to begin with. Its the case whether operating VFR or IFR, since most operations this close to a runway are visual.
Key Takeaways:
- Achieving a finessed landing requires smooth, coordinated control inputs, progressively "squeezing" pitch and power, rather than making abrupt "pitch pumps" or excessive adjustments.
- Pilots must maintain the correct angle of attack during the flare by gradually increasing back pressure on the yoke as airspeed decays, and critically avoid any forward yoke movement, which can lead to a hard, uncontrolled landing.
- Awareness and compensation for aerodynamic effects such as reduced drag in ground effect and pitch changes caused by thrust lines during power reductions are essential for a controlled and soft touchdown.
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