Page 23 - Volume 15 Number 2

ASK THE EXPERT
Landing Alignment – Get It Straight!
by Tom Clements
Astudent who was going through initial King Air training once said to me, “I felt comfortable flying the King Air in an hour, but it took about a month to learn how to start the SOB!” I think we would all agree that the King Air – all the various models – are delightful flying machines and, indeed, quite easy to fly. To land them perfectly, however, is a difficult goal to achieve. In fact, it is difficult in any flying machine. This article will present a few of my observations about what is often wrong with the landings and present some suggestions for corrections.
Almost without exception, a pilot new to the King Air will land left of the runway centerline if he/she is sitting in the left seat. Likewise, they will land right of the centerline if sitting in the right seat. My theory is that their subconscious mind is making them “leave room” for this “big” airplane into which they are transitioning. Landing on the runway’s centerline is one of the criteria for a “perfect landing.” No, not 100% of the time. For example, a strong crosswind may lead the pilot to land on the downwind side of the runway and roll out toward the upwind side ... a classic technique that decreases
FEBRUARY 2021
the actual crosswind component. But with typical light winds aligned with the runway, aiming for the centerline is the preferred technique. One never knows when a brake may bind or a tire may blow or a propeller might not reverse as expected so having the most maneuvering room on both sides of the airplane upon landing makes logical sense.
There’s an easy fix for the tendency to “leave room for the airplane” on the runway. It is this: Don’t fly the airplane; fly your seat.
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