What I’ve learned to do for landings with the P-180 is come in slightly high of glide path. With flaps in the “take-off” configuration, 100 knots is a cliff. As soon as you get below it, this plane drops like a stone. Above 100 knots, as I commented before, it floats indefinitely.
So, I usually come in a bit high of glide path — “3 whites, 1 red” if you have VAI in view — and about 10 seconds before I cross the threshold, I lower the landing gear. This dramatically increases the drag on the aircraft.
Once I’m over the threshold, I then throttle back to 15% power, perhaps 20%. Do not drop the throttle to zero or you will start flying like a brick.
With the C208, a zero-throttle landing works fine. With the P-180, you crater.
Dip the nose, bring in the flaps, and then start your flare. As the flaps come up, your lift decreases, and the P-180 settles down nicely. Do not relax, however, because the next issue with the P-180 is about to show its head.
On short runways, this dart-like airframe does not like to stop rolling even with full breaks applied. Thrust-reversing is non-optional, which just adds one more thing to juggle during the landing.
Great write up and congrats on your first few flights at CXA.
Nice review Michel. From what I understand, I think you’ll love the Q400!
How and welcome aboard. I can’t wait to see your other post and follow you through your journey
-ALAIN
CXA724
Vatsim ATO Instructor.
Welcome to the BEST Virtual Airline on the web. Enjoyed your article and look forward to more!
Mike CXA524
Excellent read !