Belly Landing

"Emilio" wrote in message
...
Take a look at this 737 belly landing video clips.
http://radioscanning.wox.org/Scanner...o/737gear.mpeg

On a first sequence it appears the pilot is trying to get the gear
unjammed
by bouncing the aircraft on the good landing gear. The second sequence
shows the actual landing. But I am little puzzled by the fact that when
he
touches down the aircraft attitude is quite flat like in the normal
touchdown. Isn't it better to touch down at minimum flying speed with
nose
up and about to stall?

Emilio.



No, especially in large aircraft like this one. It's far better to lay it
down with positive control at some median airspeed that produces this
control than trying to slow it down to an absolute minimum airspeed. The key
phrase in emergency landings is "positive control". In almost every case,
this area of positive control will occur at an airspeed that is producing an
angle of attack less than that encountered with the touchdown attitude
you're describing.
Each type of aircraft has a recommended procedure covering this situation.
Some are different than others, but the actual flight parameters are spelled
out for the type involved in either the POH, the dash 1, or the Natops, as
the situation dictates.
Dudley Henriques
International Fighter Pilots Fellowship
Commercial Pilot/ CFI Retired
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