![]() |
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
Stefan wrote:
The instructors in my club don't solo students who can't nail the approach speed to -0/+2 knots and touch down within 150 feet of the designed point (weather permitting, of course). There is a fairly significant difference between holding -0/+2 kts in a training glider with spoilers available for glideslope control and doing it at 40-50 kts, and doing the same in a slippery airplane at 80 kts with no spoilers. The realistic standard for such an airplane is -0/+5, and not at the student pilot level (not that a student pilot is even insurable in such a plane). I say this having instructed both in training gliders and slippery high performance airplanes (Bonanzas, Mooneys, Twin Comanches, and even the odd Cirrus). The Cirrus DOES NOT require -0/+2 to land well. It doesn't even require -0/+5 (though this is entirely attainable). What it requires is that you not put it on the ground until the excess speed has bled off. If you simply hold it a few inches above the ground in the flare, continuously increasing back pressure, the speed will bleed off eventually and a good landing will be made. Interestingly enough, it is closest in this regard to the Mooneys, the later Mooneys being more critical in that regard. I find it interesting that Mariash reported problems there as well. Probably a technique issue with regard to the flare - most likely allowing the plane to settle onto the runway at too high a speed due to insufficient backpressure as the elevator forces get heavier. This is none too rare on the heavier airplanes, and something an instructor won't catch unless he is specifically looking for it (as he should be). My personal solution for the problem (what I do and teach) is the use of electric trim in the flare (most such planes have it) to relieve control pressure and allow for more precise control. By contrast, almost every Cessna I've flown (including the 310, but excluding the 140, the only tailwheel Cessna I've flown) can make decent landings at a wide variety of touchdown speeds so holding it off the runway isn't terribly critical. Same for all the Bonanzas. Thus a technique issue that is really minor for some airplanes can bite the Cirrus pilot on landing. Michael |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
'nuther question: highest TAS... | xerj | Piloting | 12 | October 19th 05 02:00 PM |