Landing Streaks

Like you said in your post, there are times where I can land, and not
feel
the plane touch the ground, but lately, I think I am exercising the
strength of the mains. I use my G meter to evaluate my landings, and
even
though it did not register more then .5 G, I am sure I got some bad
"ratings" from the "landing judges" today.

As far as your question as to why, I think it's karma....

A few years ago my landings seemed to have gone to pot. Nothing I could
put my finger on, but I could seldom get it right. I thought I could
detect some
resistance in the elevator movement, and asked my mechanic about it. He
pronounced it normal. Then somewhat later I read an article about the
importance
of keeeping your control mechanisms lubricated - and took the advice.

Presto! back to normal. It really does make a difference.

Another thing is the use of flaps. My plane has 40 degrees in 10 degree
increments. I have found that it is best to reserve the fourth notch
for
those occasions when you really need it.

David Johnson

On 26 Feb 2005 14:59:04 -0800, wrote in
.com::

I read an article about the importance of keeeping your
control mechanisms lubricated

That's part of the 100 hour maintenance for PA28s.

The shaft that extends through the instrument panel must be lubricated
regularly. If it is dry, it will repeatedly bind and release as it is
pulled back during landing. Checking for control shaft lubrication is
part of my preflight check list, and is especially important with
rental aircraft. I just stick my finger in the extra quart of oil I
carry in my flight bag, and rub a little on the shaft, then move it
throughout its range to distribute it.

I read an article about the importance of keeeping your
control mechanisms lubricated

That's part of the 100 hour maintenance for PA28s.

For sure. I keep the yoke shafts lubricated (with spray-on silicone spray)
every few flights.

It makes an amazing difference.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

On Sun, 27 Feb 2005 03:29:29 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
wrote in
t8bUd.61071$tl3.27936@attbi_s02::

I read an article about the importance of keeeping your
control mechanisms lubricated

That's part of the 100 hour maintenance for PA28s.

For sure. I keep the yoke shafts lubricated (with spray-on silicone spray)
every few flights.

Silicone seems like a more appropriate lubricant than engine oil, but
that is what is specified by Piper.

It makes an amazing difference.

I've found that keeping the shafts lubricated reduces PIOs and
ballooning. It's often overlooked; I've never had an instructor
mention it.