I'm certainly no expert on the subject, and open to criticism here as I'm not an instructor. But I would think grass or gravel landings first, simply as its just a bit more forgiving just while you get the touch of it right. simply if you can lower risk factor and be a bit nicer on the aircraft and its components, why not!?

as far as 2 point and 3 point landings. I was taught 3 point first, and that does make the most sense to me. Having said that in a debate I couldn't argue why this would be wiser, it just makes the most sense in my head. may just be that that's what I was taught first, its comes across to me also as a safer, easier and more diverse technique to be able to fall back on. I also acknowledge that varies alot though with regional conditions and aircraft type. I myself tend to prefer the 2 point in my plane one up and the 3 point with a passenger. Once again, cant answer why.

the important part is that at the end of your training, you've learnt it all. as the ability to mix and match, and even to be able to modify and vary your technique at the last minute is crucial. the ridiculous thing is there is only one instructor in this country I know of that teaches 2 point landings, and he is a member on this forum. My understanding is over here CASA discourage it as they see it as to dangerous........monkeys they are......

DrifterDriver wrote:I'm certainly no expert on the subject, and open to criticism here as I'm not an instructor. But I would think grass or gravel landings first, simply as its just a bit more forgiving just while you get the touch of it right. simply if you can lower risk factor and be a bit nicer on the aircraft and its components, why not!?

as far as 2 point and 3 point landings. I was taught 3 point first, and that does make the most sense to me. Having said that in a debate I couldn't argue why this would be wiser, it just makes the most sense in my head. may just be that that's what I was taught first, its comes across to me also as a safer, easier and more diverse technique to be able to fall back on. I also acknowledge that varies alot though with regional conditions and aircraft type. I myself tend to prefer the 2 point in my plane one up and the 3 point with a passenger. Once again, cant answer why.

the important part is that at the end of your training, you've learnt it all. as the ability to mix and match, and even to be able to modify and vary your technique at the last minute is crucial. the ridiculous thing is there is only one instructor in this country I know of that teaches 2 point landings, and he is a member on this forum. My understanding is over here CASA discourage it as they see it as to dangerous........monkeys they are......

Good points. I've always told my "students" learning to fly tailwheel airplanes pretty much what I was told in my introduction: Use whichever technique (Three point or wheel landing) works best for YOU in a particular airplane and in a certain set of conditions. But, the bottom line is you MUST be proficient in both three points and wheel landings in a particular airplane, UNLESS there is some valid reason one or the other isn't recommended in that particular airplane.

Get proficient at both in each airplane you fly, practice both, then use whatever works best for you in a particular condition.

An example: Cessna 185s--I almost always use tail low wheel landings in a Cessna 185. Why? Because to me, a nice wheel landing is more difficult to pull off in a 185 for ME. I really don't care what works for you if I'm flying the plane..... .

But, put me in a 185 with a serious crosswind, and I'll probably three point it.....I want the thing planted, hard braking, and get it stopped. That's what works for me, and yes, I have landed 185s in some crosswind.

If that seems suicidal to you....that's great. When you're flying the airplane, do what YOU are most comfortable with. If I wrap one around a light pole, call me a fool. But if it works......

Please understand I'm NOT suggesting that you "free lance" and make up your own techniques. I'm talking one or the other technique....not something in between or something "innovative".

And, this will vary from plane to plane. During my introduction to the Pitts Special, i asked my instructor whether he preferred wheel landings or three points. His response was: "Hell, i don't know...it happens so fast who can tell?" And, to some degree, he was right Get the damn thing on the ground, straight, keep it straight, and get on the brakes....smoothly.

Whatever works for YOU.

MTV

mtv wrote:Whatever works for YOU.

MTV

Never has a truer and safer statement in aviation been made

I did all my private training in a C-170. We used pavement and wheelies. I felt that doing wheel landings first makes you be more precise or atleast in a 170. 3 point you could let it drop in and not have a bounce like you would with the wheely. grass is very forgiving. find what works for you and your plane and use it. but always stay up on both landings.

I did my TW endorsement on pavement. 3-point and wheel ldgs. Some super sweet crosswinds, too.