So I go flying. I cant seem to just get the plane on the ground. Does anybody have any tips on how to smoothly put a 172 down? Last time I landing one the front landing gear started shaking. I’m going flying tomorrow and ill be doing touch and goes so I really want some tips. Thanks
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Can I send you a video on instruction?
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sure go ahead
I’m making it now.
I learned on a DA-20, so a bit different, and encountered the shaking front wheel, especially on crosswind landings. Pull back to relieve pressure on the front gear and keep it back until you get to rotate speed on a touch and go. it will help with the shaking.
I think ill do better tomorrow. I just become tense during landing.
Also, the way I was taught, on final, aim for the RWY numbers the entire time. 10-20 feet above the ground, round out (neutral pitch attitude), at that point you start losing airspeed, then the aircraft will begin gliding to the ground. Once you notice the plane is settling down those last 10 feet, ease back on the yoke for the flare.
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Thanks for the info. Ill try to apply it in my flight tomorrow
Well sir. What u do is u just nose dive it. Lol no I’m just playing. When u get on final at the runway u wanna be around 1500 feet. Dropping altitude at 300fpm. Then u wanna have your speed at around 150kts. And slowly guide your way down. Ive learned the best way is to kill the engine right as u hit the ground. Make sure your flaps are all the way full.
I know how to fly a pattern. I usually kill the power above the “piano keys” of the runway and flare the plane from there.
The video is compressing now.
That’s basically it. Just guide her in. Nice and easy. You should have no problem
Uh don’t you have an instructor for this?
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@Ryan.p are you talking about flying a real 172 or are you talking about flying the 172 on Infinite Flight?
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From my little bit of experience, a good landing can only come from a good approach. Ensuring you have a good glide and speed are crucial when you cross the threshold.
Always aiming for the first 500ft, I focus on speed, then my goal is “don’t let it land”, unless of course you’re doing short field where a firm landing is more appropriate. Once I’ve cut the throttle, I then apply more and more back pressure until it sets down gently. Ideally you want to hear that stall horn a split second before touching down.
Once on the ground I maintain that back pressure and allow the nose gear to come down slowly. A lot of times the shaking is a result of not keeping some back pressure on the yoke, which in turn lightens the weight on the nose. Keep in mind, when you’re applying the brakes it shifts weight to the front, much like a car, so pulling back on the yoke as you apply more brakes will allow the aircraft to stay level.
Our pilot community manager @Mark_Denton is a wealth of knowledge and could probably offer some insight as well. Best of luck!
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I hope this helps you get a visual.
- Helpful
- Landing was bad. Bad example.
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If you don’t know how to already land the plane. I’d let the CFI do it. Inexperienced people tend to not land correctly.
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I’ve got about 40 hours in the 172, and I flew the C152 for my PPL training so I have fond memories of the little Cessna aircraft. Here are a few tips.
First of pay real attention to your airspeed. If the Pilot Operating Handbook states 69 knots landing speed, then that is important. Not 68 or 70 knots, 69 it must be.
Some checklists that are out there add a few too many knots on the speeds, which can screw up the landings. AFE checklists tend to be good, Surecheck make some awkward ones so be careful.
When you transition to other aircraft in future, such as low wing aircraft which tend to float more, this speed discipline will really pay off. And you will really be able to floor the aircraft nicely on short runways.
The nosewheel shaking - does this correlate to you coming in a bit flat? If so, work on the flare more. Pull back that yoke and hold it, don’t wimp out and push forward. The stall warning should be buzzing at or shortly before touchdown. Your instructor should be able to demonstrate this a few times.
Also, check your seating position. I found I needed to sit more upright in the 172 compared to other aircraft I have flown.
Hope this helps - have fun learning to fly!
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Well guys I am back from flying and I did do some touch and goes in some gusty winds. It was challenging because unlike landing in calm winds,I had to straighten the plane out with the rudders before touching down. All went well and today I landed unassisted for the first time. Thank you to all who gave me advice.
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