I've gone up with my CFI for a couple more flights just working the landings
in the Bonanza (A BE33, by the way). They're alot better, but once in a
while I'll still float past where I need to be.
I failed the first short-field because I was way long, and the short
approach was well below best glide with the gear hanging out & a very nose
high attitude at the very last. We would have made the runway, but he called
for a go-around. That apparently, was the final straw that ended the ride. I
agree it was a crappy approach.
Now I've got them more consistent. But once in a while, there's still a
floater I can't seem to get down, or a power off that's setup & safe, but
still short of my desired touchdown point. Ugh.


"Jim Burns" wrote in message
...
As others have mentioned, speed control and a tight pattern. I'd rather
be
high and tight, guaranteed to make the runway and allowing a slip as an
option, low and wide doesn't leave you that option. Explaining your
reasoning, as long as it's safe and correct, shows commercial knowledge.

My commercial ride was the last ride that I was able to take with our
local
DE. He's a real parrot on checkrides and a great teacher. When we were
about 5ft agl on the 180 degree power off spot landing, he asked if we'd
make the designated touchdown spot. I responded confidently that we would
because if we were short the ride would be over. Then he asked what
options
I had to extend the glide "just in case"... Prop I said, pull the prop and
reduce the disc drag. "Ever done it?" he asks. "Nope" by that time his
hand was already on the prop control and it was coming back. We floated
an
extra distance, I can't remember how far, but he laughed and said "See how
that works? But think before you do it, you need oil pressure in a single"
And with that our ride ended on a fun and informative note.

Jim