Wheel landings

[6298]

Not Bad John!

[6643]

Pretty good, John, but you let the tail down while you were still moving!

[6183]

While we're on the subject, why don't we discuss the main reason for performing a wheel landing. Would be interesting to see what other people think or for that part believe.

[6863]

As for the main reasons for wheel landings, what I posted at the bottom of page 1 of this thread: "Wheel landings allow you to plant the wheels where you want them and also allow aggressive braking as long as you balance braking with aft elevator while still keeping lots of weight on the mains to avoid skidding."

Fortunately for me I was able to fly Cessna 185s professionally under the auspices of MAF in Africa while 185s were still the bush plane of choice. Prior to overseas assignments MAF at the time prescribed 40 to 60 hours of candidacy and orientation flying in which wheel landings were stressed (practically mandated)as the technique to be used for the reasons I cited above.

Having said that, there is nothing prettier to watch than a well executed 3 point landing. Wheel landings are utility landings. Three point landings are artful airshow and Saturday fly in landings.

John

[5469]

Hello,

I fly the final at 70 and trim the airplane for hands off at that speed,
Flaps minimum 20 or 30/40 if wind allows me.
Over the fence 1500 rpm and light leveling to touchdown.
When the mains touch: yoke forward, throttle back and fight the pedals.
I dont use brakes because all the runways I use are 700 m or more, so I dont need to brake.
That is relatively easy. But... the mains touch when the Cessna wants, not where I want.
Very close one to other, anyway.
With that technique I get touchdowns 50 meters plus minus of my selected spot.

I would want to learn:

* To brake without cracking up...
* To use the technique of ¨Plaster it on¨ that is so nicely described in Stick and Rudder.
That technique allows to put the mains on a precise spot.

Thanks for your comments and help,

Kind regards,
Horacio

[nm taildragger]

This is in my Cessna 120, no flaps of course, 55 mph indicated over the "numbers", moderate braking, 450 feet of a 900 foot airstrip used. Wheel landings allow you to plant the wheels where you want them and also allow aggressive braking as long as you balance braking with aft elevator while still keeping lots of weight on the mains to avoid skidding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BSeryLo6usa

John

You make it look easy. One question: how much throttle over the 'numbers' at the beginning of the field in the video. Can't quite hear with the wind buffeting the mic.

Joel

[6863]

Joel, I can't tell you how much throttle over the "numbers". Honestly how much throttle is whatever it takes to maintain the glide slope and speed you want. It's a seat of the pants type thing and something one has to probe with one's own airplane. My suggestion would be to start with 1700 RPM for a 1500 ft MSL elevation and 80 degrees F with an airplane weighing 925 lbs at half fuel. You'll figure it out from there.

[6183]

This is in my Cessna 120, no flaps of course, 55 mph indicated over the "numbers", moderate braking, 450 feet of a 900 foot airstrip used. Wheel landings allow you to plant the wheels where you want them and also allow aggressive braking as long as you balance braking with aft elevator while still keeping lots of weight on the mains to avoid skidding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BSeryLo6usa

John

You make it look easy. One question: how much throttle over the 'numbers' at the beginning of the field in the video. Can't quite hear with the wind buffeting the mic.

Joel

It is easy if you can and do fly a tail wheel airplane regularly.

[tdragger]

Like others have said. 65-70 and level off just above runway and let her settle on then keep it on. I;m not a big fan of them as it seems hard on the aircraft. Shakes like a dog shaking off fleas. Once speed gets below 50 or so things settle down.

[6643]

Shakes like a dog shaking off fleas.

That's not right. Have you checked the main gear alignment? Also, I think that's a lot faster than I would be setting down. Not sure what speed I land at as eyes are outside the cockpit at that point, but I'm usually closer to 60 on final.