Touch Down V/S

[Airchile]

Hi,

I know there are many Experts there. Can sombody confirm what is the normal range of the V/S at touchdown for a 747-400F.
I see in one flight 190 ft/min and in another 220 Ft /min. Seems I am doing a hard touchdown.

Also any techniques for a smooth touchdown, Please share.

Thank you,
Rgds
Airchile.

[Brogs]

Hi Airchile
Your rate will vary depending on Weather Conditions and a/c weight, always fly the 744 down to the runway,by that I mean don,t try to glide , don,t forget to Flare and Retard, the best Guy for this would be Justin , he,s a real life First Officer , incidentally we like you to quote your Pilot No etc in the signature

[Airchile]

Hello Brogs,

Thanks for the reply. I have seen 767s where they cut Throttles at 50 Ft, Flare at 30 Fts and glide a bit for a
smooth touchdown. I tried this technique and land up touching down at very high V/S. 250 to even 500 ft/min.

Kindly share your technique and what is the typical V/S for 747?
Is gliding a bit for smooth touch down not allowed in 747s?

Rgds
Airchile

[nwadc10]

Hello Brogs,

Thanks for the reply. I have seen 767s where they cut Throttles at 50 Ft, Flare at 30 Fts and glide a bit for a
smooth touchdown. I tried this technique and land up touching down at very high V/S. 250 to even 500 ft/min.

Kindly share your technique and what is the typical V/S for 747?
Is gliding a bit for smooth touch down not allowed in 747s?

Rgds
Airchile

The technique you mention above is exactly how I do it in the real CRJ...but that's a CRJ The only addition is at 100' I pull the thrust back about 5%, at 50' to idle and like you said at about 30' begin the flare. I've tried this same technique in the 744 with some success. When you begin the flare, pull up at a steady rate of about 2 deg/sec (guessing here as I don't pay attention to that...neither will you when you get the hang of it). When the runway appears to stop getting bigger/wider you are at a very low rate of descent...keep that pitch attitude until touchdown. As you get more comfortable you will be able to see subtle changes in runway appearance and you can pitch up little by little as you slow down and get closer to the runway. But for now don't worry about that.

Some floating is inevitable...within limits. The best way to avoid too much floating is to be **on speed** as you cross the threshold. If you are too fast you will float a long ways. Too slow and you won't float but your chances of a smooth touchdown are not good. If you see you are floating a long way and would touchdown beyong the touchdown zone, initiate a go around. All landings shall be accomplished within the touchdown zone with exception of the roll out. Because the aiming point is 1000' down the runway you have a 2000' window to touchdown in.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.