Jay Honeck wrote:
As both a mechanic and flight instructor, looking after six
airplanes, I can say that flat-spotting is normally a result of
improper approach speeds.

This is all right and proper, of course -- but it doesn't address the
issue.

Which is: Why is one tire flat-spotted, while the other is not?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

One brake might have a bit more authority than the other. One
tire might have a slightly lower coefficient of friction. The pilot
might have a little stronger right foot. He might have a habit of using
a bit of unnecessary aileron in the landing roll, lifting one wheel a
bit. There are plenty of variables. If the brake isn't dragging more
than it should, and the bearings aren't too tight, there's no other
explanation for bald spots. The occasional sharp turn shouldn't do it,
though that can wear the tire more than usual. By the way, I've seen a
tire flat-spotted even when it was dragged on a wet runway.
A pilot should examine his technique when he notices excessive
tire wear, just as he should rethink engine management if his fuel burn
is too high or the airplane's belly is all black and sooty. We're often
too quick to blame the machinery.

Dan