Tire question

As both a mechanic and flight instructor, looking after six
airplanes, I can say that flat-spotting is normally a result of
improper approach speeds. The airplane shouldn't be landed until it's
ready to land, and for most lightplanes heavy braking shouldn't drag
tires if the landing speed was right. We get people in a 172
approaching at 65 or 70 knots, where 55 is often enough, then holding
that high speed until a sudden flare near the surface and touchdown, in
a really flat attitude, almost immediately. The end of the runway comes
up fast and they try to stop it using lots of brake, when there's still
no weight on the wheels. End of tires. Flaps make it worse.
As the textbooks say, use the recommended approach speed. You
won't stall and fall down unless you're not paying attention. At
anywhere from 15 to 30 feet, start the roundout (raising the nose to
check descent and get rid of the speed), getting the power off, and
touch down with the nosewheel well off the surface. Stall warning
should be honking before touchdown. Any heavy braking should be
accompanied by full up- elevator to place even more weight on the
mains.

Dan

As both a mechanic and flight instructor, looking after six
airplanes, I can say that flat-spotting is normally a result of
improper approach speeds.

This is all right and proper, of course -- but it doesn't address the issue.

Which is: Why is one tire flat-spotted, while the other is not?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"