Hi
I really did have problems learning to control my ac in the landing
roll-off phase when starting flying in '99
Kim Prout gave me some very very constructive advice's, and I can anly
confirm that "airspeed is everything".
I will copy some of them after this text.
Regards Gert
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Gert Dalgaard Srensen
Stabelvej 9, Haarby
DK 8660 Skanderborg
Denmark
Europa builder No. 151
OY-GDS - Europa Classic/914
Phone.: +45 8695 0595
E mail: lgds@post6.tele.dk
http://home19.inet.tele.dk/dalgaard/oygds.jpeg
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Hello Gert!
Airspeed is everything in getting the right set up for
approach. Best to fly downwind at 75K (best glide), finish base at
70K, final at 65 K until the runway is
surely made, then keep bringing stick back until 60K in front
of the numbers, then 55K at the numbers. The aircraft will now start
a good sink rate so best to add
some power (just a little) to adjust sink all the time flying
closer to the ground, pulling stick for a higher angle of attack
until it stops flying at 45K. This is when
the tail wheel should touch the ground. Pull the power off to
finish transition to ground. Hold stick full aft until you've
finished the taxi phase. This will obviously
take some practice but managing power and airspeed on the
approach is the real key and also the best way to fly a STOL aircraft
for short approaches.
Hope this helps!
kp
regarding cross wind approaches...and more detail on landings
The Europa can be flown in a full slip configuration with landing
gear and flaps deployed. (practice this at altitude just in case the
builder differences are significant enough to cause a severe wing
drop, etc..) A wing low type approach can be easily flown on approach
but by approx 6' to 10' above ground on landing the aircraft should
be put in a crab
type attitude so as not to strike the outrigger first. This would not
necessarily cause damage but best control is to touch in a "3 point"
attitude. Straighten up the aircraft with
runway center-line immediately prior to touch down. Keep the tail
wheel low, (high angle of attack), some touch of power( how much
depends on weight) to control descent rate
then at the moment prior to touchdown bring power to idle and
maintain directional control with rudder. In no case should a wheeler
landing be used. If the aircraft tends to
bounce a touch of power will check the descent rate but do not check
the stick forward as is usually taught with conventional taildragger
configurations. This would exacerbate a
tendancy to increasing bouncing and nose over. Think of the stick as
being on a ratchet. You can pull the stick back but it should never
go forward from that selected position.
This will maintain the proper angle of attack for landing. If the
bounce seems to be difficult to manage the best corrective technique
is to use a go-around. At the addition of full
power the Europa will be flying immediately in ground effect. This is
the only time to push the stick forward. The aircraft will accelerate
quickly to normal lift off speed
(recommended 55 KIAS), climb at Vx (61 KIAS) or Vy (78 KIAS).
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