SEL 'FIRM' landings

Asymmetric rudder usage shouldn't
really apply, I think, aside from the usual net left-turning
tendencies.

This was intended for takeoffs only and has nothing to do with
post-lift-off handling. It is the amount of rudder required to
maintain directional control during the takeoff acceleration.

I use full aileron at the start & come off it during the roll. I find
that it requires rudder inputs to counteract both torque (actually it
is mostly spinning slipstream) effects and weathervaning due to the
crosswind. Sometimes the inputs have to add (such as a left crosswind)
, and sometimes they cancel (right crosswind).

I try to leave the runway in a near minimum airspeed and tire scrub
condition. Climbout etc is coordinated (I hope!)

As a Mooney owner and CFI I do a fair amount of Mooney transition
training. From talking to Mooney shops that fix the damage afterwards,
I've discovered that you get 2 bounces for free in the Mooney. The
third bounce costs about $20,000. I tell my students not to try to save
a Mooney bounce, just add full power and go around. Also, the attitude
the plane sit at while on the ground will result in a bounce (I guess
teh nose hangs lower than the mains). The visual picture you want to
see on landing should have the nose higher than you see while at rest
on the ground. Weight also makes a pretty good difference. With two
guys on board and less than 1/2 fuel you should reduce your normal
approach speed by 5 knots vs. near gross. The nice thing about Mooneys
is that there is no cross wind in the flare. The wings sit so low that
they really don't feel cross wind. Its the bushes effect, below waist
level the bushes disrupt the wind. I've landed in as much as 25 knots
cross wind in my Mooney. Once in the flare you can pretty much take the
cross wind correction out. Its very different than a C172.

-Robert, CFI