Done Deal

[scottfromiowa]

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[flyboy0681]

Flew with my instructor yesterday and finally nailed the landings. I'm now able to consistently get over the numbers at 70. The trick for a smooth touchdown is plenty of up trim. As opposed to other heavy, complex aircraft that I have flown over the years, the Mooney requires an incredible amount of muscle to flare (due to push tubes?). Since I don't have much upper body strength, the trim is my friend.

 

The Halo keeps getting better and better with each hour. I previously reported that it weighed 8 ounces. In reality it's one ounce.

[flyboy0681]

I have flown a 182 and it wasn't pretty. I remember this as clear as day and thank my lucky stars that I didn't do any damage. I was landing and struck nose first and the plane came down in a thud. So much so the ELT went off. Looking back at my logbook, that was 1982, so I've come a long way since then.

[KSMooniac]

Mooneys are trim sensitive, but I don't think the forces are excessive at all unless you are way out of trim.  Jim's suggestion for a good lubrication is a great idea...Tri Flow on the yoke shafts and Heim joints and some good oil on the hinge points will help tremendously if they are dry.

[flyboy0681]

Let's just say it - I'm a weakling.

 

There, it's now out in the open.

[DaV8or]

The three heaviest noses in the flare that I have flown in order of force required, are the 182, Piper Arrow IV and the Mooney. All are easily tamed with the use of trim. You may end up near full up trim, but so what? Trim is your friend in all phases of flight.

[jax88]

Some of the best landings in my F are near full nose up trim.

[flyboy0681]

I'm mindful of having too much nose up trim in the event a last second go-around is required. It could end ugly if not executed well.

[Mac201]

I was having trouble smoothly rounding out, and a Mooney experienced instructor suggested that I put in nose up trim during final.  Now I set the trim nose up about half way between take off trim and full nose up by the time I cross the fence.  I am holding my aim point with forward pressure on the yoke.  In the flair, I am releiving the downward pressure and then slightly up.  This has worked much better for me for a smoother round out and controlling the heavy nose.  Congratulations on your new bird!

[Jeff_S]

I, too, found the Mooney to be exceptionally heavy in control force when out of trim, compared to my Warrior. Over time it's become intuitive to keep my thumb pretty active on the trim control so that now it's a subconscious thing...but I know I need to go out and practice manual trim in case my electric trim ever goes out. That would be a very different experience!

[231Pilot]

Quote: Jeff_S

...but I know I need to go out and practice manual trim in case my electric trim ever goes out. That would be a very different experience!

[DaV8or]

Quote: flyboy0681

I'm mindful of having too much nose up trim in the event a last second go-around is required. It could end ugly if not executed well.

[flyboy0681]

My primary concern with "way up" trim on landing is that in the event that a go-around is required, the aircraft will reach for the stars once full power is applied. If this happens it may take a lot of strength to push the yoke forward.

 

I'll try this very scenario with my instructor this week and see just how the plane reacts.

[carusoam]

[1] I very much agree with dave to - fly the plane.

[2] I also very much know as power goes on, nose goes up, airspeed decays rapidly.  Agressively maintain proper attitude while trimming and configuration changing.

I am not sure this is a teaching tool, but it is a reminder for me regarding trim and full flaps.

"The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with terrain."

http://www.aopa.org/asf/ntsb/narrative.cfm?ackey=1&evid=20070614X00725

Indication of full flaps on final: "Approximately 1/2 inch of threads were observed on the flap actuator jackscrew, consistent with full flap extension."

Indication of go around: "The flap switch was in the neutral/off position, and the landing gear selector was in the UP position. The throttle, mixture, and propeller controls were in the full forward position."

The flight was between two of my favorite airports using our favorite airplane by a person with many hours and years of experience.

Don't let it haunt you, just remember to keep the attitude right while you fly the plane.....

Best regards,

-a-

[KLRDMD]

Quote: flyboy0681

My primary concern with "way up" trim on landing is that in the event that a go-around is required, the aircraft will reach for the stars once full power is applied. 

[flyboy0681]

Quote: KLRDMD

[richardheitzman]

I was taught to keep my elbow planted against the side wall at the arm rest when performing a go around. That assists keeping the nose down while you are flying the aircraft and cleaning it up. Trim down, flaps up, gear up. PRACTICE