Landing; Normal Landing; Short Field Landing - Cessna SKYHAWK 172M 1976 Pilot Operating Handbook

CESSNA
MODEL 172M
SECTION 4
NORMAL PROCEDURES
coordinator or the needle of the turn and bank indicator
may be referred to for this information.
Variation in basic airplane rigging or in weight and balance due to
installed equipment or right seat occupancy can cause differences in
be-
havior, particularly in extended spins. These differences are normal and
will result in variations in the spin characteristics and in the spiraling
tendencies for spins of more than 2 turns. However, the recovery technique
~hould always be used and will result in the most expeditious recovery from
any spin.
Intentional spins with flaps extended are prohibited, since the high
speeds which may occur during recovery are potentially damaging to the
flap/wing structure.
LANDING
NORMAL LANDING
Normal landing approaches can be made with power-on or power-off
with any flap setting desired. Surface winds and air turbulence are usual-
ly the primary factors in determining the most comfortable approach
speeds. Steep slips should be avoided with flap settings greater than 20
o
due to a slight tendency for the elevator to oscillate under certain combi-
nations of airspeed, sideslip angle, and center of gravity loadings.
NarE
Carruretor heat should be applied prior to any significant
reduction or closing of the throttle.
Actual touchdown should be made with power-off and on the main
wheels first to reduce the landing speed and subsequent need for braking
in the landing roll. The nose wheel is lowered to the runway gently after
the speed has diminished to avoid unnecessary nose gear loads. This
procedure is especially important in rough or soft field landings.
SHORT FIELD LANDING
For a maximum performance short field landing in smooth air condi-
tions, make an approach at the minimum recommended airspeed with full
flaps using enough power to control the glide path. (Slightly higher ap-
proach speeds should be used under turbulent air conditions.) After all
approach obstacles are cleared, progressively reduce power and main-
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