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Old October 3rd 06, 01:36 AM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
Capt.Doug
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Posts: 141
Default Is every touchdown a stall?

wrote in message
Are there reasons and circumstances, other than when you've a short
runway, to recommend full-stall landings?


There is less wear and tear on brakes and tires. You are traveling slower if
a loss of directional control occurs. Brakes have been known to fail. It
shows mastery of the aircraft. You can turn off the runway sooner for a
potentially shorter taxi time. Turning off the runway sooner is a courtesy
to those waiting to use the runway.

And one more thing... if we assume that the stall occurs at about 20
degrees, won't the ensuing nose-down thwack on to the runway do the
nosewheel strut any harm?


Your assumption would be correct except that 'full-stall landing' is
(usually) a misnomer. The aircraft (usually) doesn't reach critical angle of
attack for a full stall before the wheels touch down. The pilot tries to
reach as high an angle of attack as s/he can before the wheels touch the
ground. This results in low landing speeds and shorter roll-outs.

D.