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By the book.

Article Excerpt
Short-field approach and landing guidance from airframe manufacturers is spotty at best: Some POH/ AFMs barely cover it. For the SR20, Cirrus Aircraft includes in its airplane information manual a succinct summation of the major points:

* For a short-field landing in smooth air conditions, make an approach at 75 KIAS with full flaps using enough power to control the glide path (slightly higher approach speeds should be used under turbulent air conditions).

* After all approach obstacles are cleared, progressively reduce power to reach idle just before touchdown, and maintain the approach speed by lowering the nose of the airplane. * Touchdown should be made power-off and on the main wheels first.

* Immediately after touchdown, lower the nose wheel and apply braking as required.

* For maximum brake effectiveness, retract the flaps, hold the control yoke full back and apply maximum brake pressure without skidding.

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You're not trying to squeak this one on; instead, you're after a no-finesse firm landing as close as possible to your target. A vertical speed at touchdown of 100-200 fpm sounds high, but is ideal. Any finesse or float will eat up valuable runway you don't have to spare.

LEAVES IN THE WHEEL PANTS?

We'll start our discussion of specific short-field landing techniques with an obstacle right at the...

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