Having trouble "flaring" any advice?

Question

I have a good glideslope just the last 15 feet get me...

Answer 1

You need to get the correct sight-picture first.  Your eyes are supposed to be transitioning down the end of the runway once you pass over your aiming point.  I assume you are a low time private pilot/student pilot?  Use your peripheral vision to see the ground coming to you especially to your left.  Just anticipate it and be ready to start pulling back on the yolk and 'feel' the ground effect.  Try using less flaps than normal and maybe even come in about 5 KIAS faster than normal.  This will help keep your control surfaces more effective and keep the aircraft more stable.  Be very VERY gentle once you pitch for straight and level.  Continue to raise the nose while you hear the stall warning horn GENTLY by adding a couple millimeters of back pressure and keep the airplane pointed where you want it with rudders.  The nose wheel will still be straight while extended.  If you touch down just right you will hear the stall warning and should be able to hold the nose wheel off the gound at will.  I havent met a pilot who makes a perfect landing consistently yet.  I still have my off days.

Answer 2

Although I generally agree with the above answer I would like to point something out.  Speed control is key in timing your roundout and flare.  I wouldn't advise adding 5 knots to your REF speed, I would advise you to emphasize speed control so when you go practice landings it feels the same every time.

Also, something as simple as seating position plays a huge factor in your personal landing attitude.  Make sure to adjust the seat so you can see over the glareshield throughout the whole approach and landing.  Once you find a good seating position remember it!

Above all it's just practice.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Use the glideslope down to minimums, then continue visually.

Answer 4

In addition to the good advise you have already received, during those last 15 feet, transition your eyes from your aiming point to looking down toward the end of the runway.  This will give you more depth perception through your peripheral vision.  This will also help you judge your airplane's pitch by comparing the nose attitude to the horizon and keep it from oscillating too much.  This may feel strange at first... But feel free to experiment with this while trusting your instructor to keep the plane out of maintenance.  Good luck - you'll get it.  At some point, it will just click and you'll make far more good landings than bad landings.

Answer 5

Lori, on what kind of aircraft?