As Jonathan says (he is a perfect pilot by the way) , correct landing technique
goes a long way in preserving the noseleg whatever way it is sprung.
I have done nearly 500 hours in trigear Europa and find the nose gear with
spring
mod very good. Careful technique is required on bumpy ground. My springs
make a fair bit of noise - which can be heard when taxiing. The stick has to
be held firmly to prevent the mass balance weight from driving the stick which
causes longitudinal pitching - which drives the nosegear. This can amplify the
apparent nose pitching which some pilots attribute solely to the springing
of the nosegear.
Holding the nose off is necessary and good technique. I see many flat or
wheelbarrow
landings by ppl and students at my local field - l think there is less
emphasis on avoiding early nosegear ground contact nowadays. Never land a
Europa
nosegear first.
I recommend the spring MOD, perhaps slightly more care is needed to avoid
coupled
longitudinal pitching where the nosegear and HT mass balance act in unison.
The relatively low maintenance requirements are also a positive factor.
When taxiing, even at slow speed on bumping ground, the nose can start to bob up
and down. This can be immediately stopped by slowing down. I also lock the
stick with my knees (either fully back or forward) which avoids the mass balance
coupling as described above.
--------
John Wighton
Europa XS trigear G-IPOD
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