I think SHOULD is too strong a statement.

I don't think it's too strong, but perhaps too general. It depends somewhat on
conditions. If it's gusty, keeping some spoiler on is wise because quickly
cleaning up the wing as you lower the nose may be the best way to fly out of a
wind shear; if your spoilers are already retracted and you're still 20 ft high
a few knots above stall speed you may arrive precipitously. On the other hand,
if you're coming in over an obstacle into a short field, a firm impact with
spoilers is preferable to floating into the trees at the other end. On the
third hand, if you're landing in a long field whose surface is unknown and
possibly rough, you're better off making the glider alight at the lowest
possible speed, which means no spoilers.

I contend that in calm conditions, you should touch down (flapless gliders)
with a clean wing and a slightly tail-low attitude.

When I see people float and overshoot it's often because they have too much
speed and too much spoiler on short final and roundout. Abruptly closing the
spoilers in this situation is just like adding power in an airplane.








Mike Yankee

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