Page 204 - Airplane Flying Handbook

Figure 9-34. Ballooning during roundout.

1176
Depending on the severity of ballooning, the use of throttle is helpful in cushioning the landing. By adding power, thrust is increased to
keep the airspeed from decelerating too rapidly and the wings from suddenly losing lift, but throttle should be closed immediately after
touchdown. Torque effects vary as power is changed, and it is necessary to use rudder pressure to keep the airplane straight as it settles
onto the runway.
1188
The pilot needs to be extremely cautious of ballooning when there is a crosswind present because the crosswind correction may be
inadvertently released or it may become inadequate. Because of the lower airspeed after ballooning, the crosswind affects the airplane
more. Consequently, the wing has to be lowered even further to compensate for the increased drift. It is imperative that the pilot makes
certain that the appropriate wing is down and that directional control is maintained with opposite rudder. If there is any doubt, or the
airplane starts to drift, the pilot should execute a go-around.
1187
When ballooning is excessive, it is best to execute a go-around immediately and not attempt to salvage the landing. Power should be
applied before the airplane enters a stalled condition.

Bouncing During Touchdown
1189
When the airplane contacts the ground with a sharp impact as the result of an improper attitude or an excessive rate of sink, it tends to
bounce back into the air. Though the airplane’s tires and shock struts provide some springing action, the airplane does not bounce like a
rubber ball. Instead, it rebounds into the air because the wing’s AOA was abruptly increased, producing a sudden addition of lift. [Figure
9-35]
1190

Figure 9-35. Bouncing during touchdown.

1191
The abrupt change in AOA is the result of inertia instantly forcing the airplane’s tail downward when the main wheels contact the ground
sharply. The severity of the bounce depends on the airspeed at the moment of contact and the degree to which the AOA or pitch attitude
was increased.
1192

9-33