The landing is the act of safely transitioning the aircraft from the approach glidepath to the landing attitude and touching the aircraft down on its main gear at minimum energies. The landing consists of a more or less constant glide towards an aiming point on the runway followed by a round out to a level attitude and then holding the aircraft off the ground until it loses enough energy to touch down and remain on the ground. The hold-off is accomplished by changing the pitch up in increments which has the effect of generating more lift and drag. The result if done properly is a touchdown with relatively low energy left in the aircraft. The flare or round out should begin about 10-20 ft. above ground by gradually changing the pitch to a nose up attitude. This pitch angle is best judged by looking off to the horizon. However, if students are having trouble with judging the height it is appropriate to suggest glances off to the sides where they may pick up other useful cues, such as the height of trees and buildings etc. The hold-off consists of keeping the glider at an attitude roughly equal to the rolling balanced attitude used on takeoff. As the glider starts to sink small pitch up changes will keep the aircraft ‘buoyant’ and the speed will lower until the glider gradually settles to the ground. It is wise to keep the aircraft flying as long as possible under normal circumstances. The outline for this exercise is:
- Instructor checks student’s performance of pre-takeoff checks.
- Instructor coaches student takeoff and aerotow as appropriate.
- Student performs other air exercises, and circuit performance is checked.
- Instructor controls the glidepath initially. Student does not have hand on spoilers or flaps.
- Instructor coaches maintenance of aircraft flight and ground paths.
- Instructor coaches the flare, hold off, touchdown, and rollout to a full stop.
- Instructor promptly directs movement of aircraft on the ground.
Before the student takes full responsibility for all phases of the landing the instructor should begin by carefully establishing the approach glide path and working the spoilers, emphasizing the aiming point and flare. Once the student has a good picture of this process, then proceed to having them take over glidepath control with prompting from the instructor. The hold-off, touchdown, and rollout phases should emphasize gentle landings, ending up in specific areas, straight down the runway, and away from other aircraft. Resist any taxiing. Remind the student that the landing is not over until the glider comes to a full stop, the pilots exit, and the glider is moved appropriately. Pilots landing behind the glider will greatly appreciate a clear landing path. De-briefings should not take place until the landing path is cleared. Remember, don’t try to teach everything about landing in a single flight. Start with the mechanics of the flare and hold-off, move to the aiming point, and then on to drift control. When in doubt, take over. Hard landings are rarely an effective teaching tool. Remember, prompt only once and then take over. Don’t fool around below 1000’!