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:
- Smooth, coordinated control inputs and an understanding of a slowing, flaring airplane's aerodynamics are crucial for refined landings, contrasting with common erratic "pitch pumps."
- During the flare, pilots should progressively "squeeze" back on the yoke to maintain the landing angle of attack as airspeed decays, strictly avoiding forward yoke movements that lead to uncontrolled "pump and dump" landings.
- Anticipating and smoothly compensating for aerodynamic effects like reduced drag from ground effect and pitch changes caused by power reductions is vital for a controlled and soft touchdown.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
