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From: tjj@ssc-vax.UUCP (T J Jardine)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: Eyeballing the Runway
Message-ID: <549@ssc-vax.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 21-Mar-85 14:41:26 EST
Article-I.D.: ssc-vax.549
Posted: Thu Mar 21 14:41:26 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 22-Mar-85 03:13:32 EST
References: <1075@phoenix.UUCP> <737@ihnp4.UUCP>
Organization: Boeing Aerospace Co., Seattle, WA
Lines: 21

Brent Callaghan originated the question about viewing the runway during
a landing.  I agree with Jeff Williams that you need to look out the side
window, particularly on tail wheel aircraft.  I'd like to add that what I
teach is that you need to acquire information from many sources -- staring
down the runway over the nose or staring out the window are equally bad
techniques.  I don't know of an instrument trained pilot who stares at one
instrument and stays right side up for very long, so why should a VFR pilot
not keep his eyes moving.  I think this only supplements what Jeff has said.
I would also add that once you've learned how to land a tail dragger, then
try a seaplane (such as the Lake Amphibian).  Concrete or Tarmac + oleo
struts are super soft compared to sitting your fuselage on the water's
surface.  You learn to touch down very, very gently indeed!

Whatever else you may do, remember to keep the pointy end forward and the
dirty side down!!

Ted Jardine, CFI ASME Instruments
-- 
TJ (with Amazing Grace) The Piper
Boeing Artificial Intelligence Center
...uw-beaver!ssc-vax!bcsaic!ted