bob turner
Registered User
I am getting opinionated in my old age - I am sure you have heard me prattle on about folks who climb at speeds well above Vy with flaps extended.
This week it is a variation - several of my students are "dragging it in," resulting in an occasional touchdown 20 feet short. The extension is smooth and stressed for Falcon 10s, and the tower just sort of looks the other way. It is really on me - I am PIC - but I let them do it, and then comment that they really should touchdown the other side of the threshold.
i maintain that the best approach is one that is angled so the flare occurs just prior to touchdown - as opposed to getting five feet off the deck a thousand feet early and using power. In short, I think that "dragging it in" is poor technique in any situation, and really makes things tough when all you can see is the giant cowling when the nose is up.
But before I drop the hammer and say "no more dragging it in" I would enjoy your opinions. I am not dealing with newbies - these folks are experienced tailwheel pilots.
This week it is a variation - several of my students are "dragging it in," resulting in an occasional touchdown 20 feet short. The extension is smooth and stressed for Falcon 10s, and the tower just sort of looks the other way. It is really on me - I am PIC - but I let them do it, and then comment that they really should touchdown the other side of the threshold.
i maintain that the best approach is one that is angled so the flare occurs just prior to touchdown - as opposed to getting five feet off the deck a thousand feet early and using power. In short, I think that "dragging it in" is poor technique in any situation, and really makes things tough when all you can see is the giant cowling when the nose is up.
But before I drop the hammer and say "no more dragging it in" I would enjoy your opinions. I am not dealing with newbies - these folks are experienced tailwheel pilots.