"Steve Hopkins" k wrote in
message ...
I'm promted to ask a question having read the postings
regarding the different views expressed, in another
thread, regarding the wearing of parachutes in the
UK and USA.
When, as a UK pilot on holiday, flying in the USA a
couple of years ago, the CFI demonstrated his preferred
landing technique which involved progressively reducing
airbrakes as one approached the ground. This gave rise
to very prolonged 'hold-offs' and touchdown at the
stall. Was this a local quirk? Would appreciate the
views of those more qualified than I on the pro's and
con's of such an approach.
For my own point of view, it struck me that this American
technique made spot landing more difficult. Also, I
was concerned that there was a prologed period of very
slow flying close to the ground. Any thoughts?



Despite many efforts, US flight instruction in gliders is far from
standardized. I have of heard the technique you encountered and disapprove
of it for the most part. Changing the amount of spoilers deployed while in
the flare is inviting trouble - not to say never do it, just expect it to be
tricky.

Many CFI-G's have never flown a glider cross country or, for that matter, at
any other locale than those with a long paved runways. Getting the glider
down and stopped in the shortest distance is not something they have thought
about very much.

I prefer a fairly steep glide path to a flair with spoilers left where they
were in the approach followed by a low-energy touchdown and a short rollout.
Pretty much what I would expect to do in an off-field landing.

Bill Daniels