How do perform short field landings for practical test

MauleSkinner said:
That doesn’t state how much float is allowed. It states where the touchdown can be, regardless of the amount of float.
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TCABM said:
Eh, the distance between the specified point and actual touchdown pointis the max allowable distance (200ft) for all things, to include float.

Seems pretty straightforward to me.
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These two posts are not inconsistent with each other.

The problem with “how much float is ‘minimal’” is that it’s isolating a single factor for micrometer measurement when the concept varies depending on a number of factors in combination. KISS: approaching at 60 KTS and the same designated spot to touch down, will you float the same distance down the runway with 0 KTS headwind as with 30 KTS headwind?
 
midlifeflyer said:
These two posts are not inconsistent with each other.

The problem with “how much float is ‘minimal’” is that it’s isolating a single factor for micrometer measurement when the concept varies depending on a number of factors in combination. …
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I agree with that; I’ve always believed float is a symptom of too much airspeed. During a short field approach and landing, 1.3Vso/bottom of the white arc/mfg recommended airspeed (if published) plus gust factor is the target airspeed, +10/-5.

Minimal float as discussed in Chapter 9 of the AFH seems to focus on a constant descent angle and appropriate airspeed to achieve an outcome of minimal float. For short field landings, the conversation adds use of one setting less than full flaps on the approach and full flaps when power is removed, requiring additional nose down input to manage airspeed within the limits to touchdown within 200’ of the desired spot.

Maybe I’m under thinking this, but as mentioned elsewhere, the short field landing is simply a spot landing under very controlled conditions to achieve a desired performance outcome. Add an obstacle and the AFH recommends managing the pattern and initial altitude to drive the steeper angle necessary to avoid the obstacle while also touching down at the desired spot.

I guess maybe I’m putting less emphasis on the aim point, because where the descent angle intersects the runway is aim point and that point should be stable in the windscreen all the way down. Controlling energy for the target airspeed is all that’s left. Manage that successfully and float is minimal; no different than any other landing.
 
TCABM said:
Maybe I’m under thinking this, but as mentioned elsewhere, the short field landing is simply a spot landing under very controlled conditions to achieve a desired performance outcome. Add an obstacle and the AFH recommends managing the pattern and initial altitude to drive the steeper angle necessary to avoid the obstacle while also touching down at the desired spot.

I guess maybe I’m putting less emphasis on the aim point, because where the descent angle intersects the runway is aim point and that point should be stable in the windscreen all the way down. Controlling energy for the target airspeed is all that’s left. Manage that successfully and float is minimal; no different than any other landing.
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I don’t think you are underthinking it at all. That is exactly what I meant by the post you quoted. “Minimum float” is less a goal than it is a result of good technique.

We can quibble about the importance of the aim point. I think its selection is key (and it might not be in the runway) and, as you said, should remain stable as a way of gauging your progress.
 
TCABM said:
Ahhhhh; what a much better way to put that.
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There's a lot of applicability to the distinction between goal and result. It's just an application of the difference between theory and practice.

Another example is touching down on the upwind wheel first in a crosswind landing. The goal is alignment with no drift through appropriate rudder and aileron inputs. The result is that you will touch down on the upwind wheel if there is still a crosswind at that point, and both wheels if it dissipates close to the ground. It's fun to watch a pilot touch down on one wheel with no crosswind because they made it a goal.
 
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