normb@tekred.UUCP (Norm Babcock ) (04/05/85)
This is an interesting topic. A lot of you agree, judging by the number of comments. In defense of the person who suggested that a starting point was to note the relationship of the cowling to the far end of the runway, I agree. I don't think the absolute position is at issue, as this will vary from a/c to a/c, how tall the pilot is, how he/she adjusts the seat, on and on. The merit of the suggestion lies in the fact that there is a reference which should work. Using this reference will/should result in more consistent landings. The real trick is when to start the flare. The above, and other comments on net.aviation, takes for granted that the height above the runway is correct and proper. The old timers forget that when they were students, every landing was pefect, although some were ten feet above the runway, or four feet below. If you want a dose of humble, try a plane you don't know very well. I flew a Cherokee 180 last weekend, and made the nicest carrier landing you're likely to see. The visual references are a little different from a 150/152. (Yep, there were 22 pilots watching. Landing number 5 was perfect; the windsock and a bird were the only witnesses). tektronix!tekred!normb P.S. for Ron: how do you get your wife to hand-prop after you've had a half-throttle start with poor brakes? Mine insists that I leave the tiedowns on now.