Slow Flight Sundowner 180

[@andycrespo8343]

Hello, great video! I'm wondering if you could help me with my landings? I have a Musketeer Super III (200hp) that I just bought, and I'm getting a nose bounce often when I land. Your landing in this video are consistently excellent! Would you be willing to share your final approach speed, and how you are flying the plane just before touchdown? I have the Madras (Demer) tips on my plane, so I'm thinking I could land slower than I do. My last plane was a Piper Cherokee and I felt like I mastered landing it but not the Musketeer yet. It seems like flying it more flat to the runway is the way verses flaring the plane. Thanks for your videos!!

[@iflycentral]

I fly a tight pattern, so I make a power off base turn once I see the end of the runway appear just behind my trailing edge from pattern altitude (1000' AGL). You may want to modify this a bit depending on your level of familiarity and comfort with the plane. My typical approach: Rounded power off base to final at about 85 knots indicated CLEAN, once I turn final and know I have the runway made I dump full flaps, trim is set such that I need to apply only slight forward pressure and cross the fence at about 70 knots indicated, round out about 60 knots indicated and don't look at the ASI again for the remainder of the landing, normal flare but hard back on the yoke just as the mains touch (not before & not after). Even if you bounce on the mains DO NOT try to lower the nose. That will result in crow hoping / proposing down the runway as the plane bounces backwards and forwards on the pucks. Best way to counter a bounce on the mains is to add just a little power and then bring the power back out as she settles onto the runway. One thing to note: My plane has the tail weight STC. I've never flown one without the tail weight personally, however, I've been told that adding about 50lbs to the baggage compartment has a similar effect to the tail weight. I'd suggest finding a nice long runway to practice my technique to reduce your pressure while practicing. That way you can aim for the thousand foot marker and not worry too much if you come short or go long of the mark. Because of how the plane is trimmed for this technique, you MUST be prepared to push forward on the yoke in the event of a go around. That would be especially true of your 200hp Super III.

[@andycrespo8343]

@@iflycentral Thank you for this! I'll be out this week doing some pattern work and will try what you have shared. I haven't seen in my logbooks if I have the tail weight STC, but I do have about 45lbs of ballast in the cargo area. By the way, I live in Asheville. I see you're in NC also. I tiedown at Rutherford (KFQD) close to AVL. Again, thank you!

[@iflycentral]

Just an heads up. I realized others might have the same question you did, so I turned my answer into a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqnY62GrNeKjbs

[@andycrespo8343]

@@iflycentral I just watched it! Great job and thanks!!

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

Nice flying, very good rudder control while in slow flight.

[@iflycentral]

Thanks. It's a necessity at those speeds as you know.

[@motoadveBackcountry182]

Good job, there is no substitute for slow flight training, I do it often.

[@iflycentral]

Agreed. If it were done more regularly by all pilots; I believe there would be a noticeable reduction in traffic pattern accidents.

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

Can't wait for this virtual ride with Central. I'm watching now :)

[@iflycentral]

Very little distance covered, but a fun flight.

[@iflycentral]

Thanks Greg.

[@cavalier5423]

Slow flight has always been my favorite maneuver. IDK I just like living on the edge of stall I guess.

[@iflycentral]

It is alot more engaging. It requires constant correction, and attention to what you're doing. No doubt that is a part of it.

[@13aceofspades13]

That looks like a lot of fun.

[@iflycentral]

It is. You must be more active on the controls when flying like that. It's very engaging.

[@antagonist99]

So you're on your way to Reaper right now?

[@iflycentral]

LoL. Nah. I've not ordered the aux tanks yet. :P