Landing Techniques

Question 1

Landing Phase of Flight

Answer 1

● The landing phase is defined as “from 1500’ above the ground to the point at which the aircraft reaches a complete stop”

Question 2

High and Hot

Answer 2

● When at a high elevation and with hot temperatures on short final, you will float and use up lots of runway.
● This is because your true airspeed is faster than the indicated airspeed.
○ Approach is normally 1.3 * (Vso CAS)
○ 5 Knots too fast is equivalent to being 50’ too high
○ If sufficient runway remains:
■ Reduce power
■ Apply spoilers / thrust reversers
■ Use full braking / reverse thrust
○ In many cases, it may be best to OVERSHOOT

Question 3

Balked Approach

Answer 3

● This is an overshoot or go-around in the landing configuration.
○ Most of the time, it begins over the upwind end of the landing runway.
● Remember that there are times when you may not be able to make the go-around and get into a contact with ground – in particular this may happen if you are in a low energy landing configuration.
● A configuration like this could include any of the following:
○ A height less than 50’ above runway
○ Decreasing airspeed
○ The flaps and gear down
○ Descending with the throttle in idle range

Question 4

Gusty Winds

Answer 4

● A good rule of thumb is to add half of the gust component to your approach speed (Vref).
● Again, depending on your aircraft–and the manual’s suggestions–it may be wise to land with an attitude a little bit flatter than you would in calm conditions

Question 5

Crosswinds

Answer 5

● Sideslip method is one that is popular.
● Must increase the crosswind corrections during the flare as the plane slows down.
● When the main wheels touch down remember to increase the aileron deflections into the wind progressively until taxiing with full deflection

Question 6

Effects of… Ice, Snow, Frost, Slush, Water on Landing

Answer 6

● A significant increase in the landing roll can be expected.
● In many airplanes, you will have to be careful when applying brakes!
● Tires may be skinned or blown if they are prevented from turning when contacting bare pavement.

● Hydroplaning may occur over standing water or light slush covered runways.
● This can result in zero braking action until very low speeds.
○ In these cases, it is best to land at the slowest possible speed and land firmly to break through the water.
○ Apply brakes carefully so as not to lock them up.
● Snow and heavy slush may, depending on depth, cause very rapid deceleration.
○ In extreme cases this could result in an overstress and possible shearing off of the landing gear

Question 7

Short Field Landings

Answer 7

● Do not drag the approach in too low but aim for the threshold
● On touch down:
○ Ensure power is idle
○ Raise flaps and brake
○ Hold column back to increase weight on main wheels
○ If anti-skid devices are onboard apply full brakes, otherwise apply steady pressure
○ Release brake pressure if a skid develops
○ Use spoilers if available and apply thrust reversers or reverse thrust as soon as the nose wheel is on the ground

● Piston aircraft:
○ If runway is icy leave flaps down holding the nose wheel off the ground to get as much aerodynamic braking as possible
○ Raise the flaps and brake once nose wheel is on the ground
○ Aerodynamic braking is more effective than none at all (works best at higher speeds)

● Turbine powered aircraft:
○ Use the spoilers if available
○ Apply thrust reversers as soon as the nose wheel is on the ground