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Landing On Centerline

by Jason Schappert

Checkride examiners across the country have been cracking down on students landing off of centerline. I’m talking make or break (read pass or fail) sort of cracking down! John a MzeroA friend and fan asked this question on how to fix this error. So in this video i’ll share with you some tips on how to nail your landings on the centerline.



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Tagged as: Improve Your Landings, landings

  • Ewright8

    I haven’t flown since 1991 at which time I was licensed as a private pilot.  What all would be the requirements to renew my license, become proficient again and start flying regularly?

  • Sebutler

    I learned to fly in the early 70′s out of a little non-towered strip with a 2200×30 hard surface.  By the time I had 20 hours, I could shoot a short field into a gusting crosswind, set it down dead center and have it shut down by the second set of lights.  But, when I would go to the local towered airport (class C now) with its 7000×150 runway I would be all over the place.  I would be off center. I would land with a little bit of a crab.  With a crosswind, I would have been more comfortable landing sideways on the runway.  With that much concrete, it was no challenge so I would get sloppy.  I found that I had to concentrate on the centerline as my target rather than the runway as I had learned at my little home field.

  • http://twitter.com/PilotPass Pilot Pass

    Though, when there are lights in the centre-line, skilled pilots land a few inches either side right :)

  • Starlightblue311

    Perfect timing on this. I will give that a try as soon as the weather cooperates!

  • Waner at bornwithoutwings.com

    I’m having the same issue, I just soloed, my touchdowns are pretty good, buy nowhere near centerline. I have another lesson tomorrow night I can’t wait to try these tips.
    Soon I’ll be able to solo to a smaller airport that is untowered and has a much smaller runway.
    Happy Flying
    -Waner
    BornWithoutWings.com

  • Rick

    when you find yourself either right or left of the center line by say 10 feet or more, when coming in on final, what is the best way to move over to get on the center line? Aileron only, rudder only, combination, what do you suggest?

  • Scott Woodland

    Thanks for another great video, was great to hear you mention the rudder pedal dance.  My instructor taught me that, and I’ve had others I’ve flown with notice it.  My landings are always better when I keep my feet alive with that dance.

  • Abdirizak

    ExpandThanks for another great video, Perfect timing on this abdirizak

  • Motobob80s

    I think you missed the mark with this video Jason. When you get down low, yes, you use the rudder to keep the nose down the center line. However, as you get closer and slower and start to glide right or left of the center line you have to use aileron a lot more then usual, especially if it’s windy. You hardly mention the ailerons, and the combination of rudder is the dance we are all trying to learn. I am working through this very problem, and no way you can solo if you can’t keep it on the center line. It really helps to look further ahead down the runway just like you drive. As a student pilot I think I was trying to keep the nose of the airplane on the center line and that made me look at the nose of the airplane. Once you look further down the runway, you are having to feel and react to a much bigger picture and it seems to smooth things out. You can imagine how crazy you’d drive if you looked only over the hood of your car. Not to mention the tension it creates which can lock up any rookie. The Vid’s are great, you touched on it, PIC pilot in control, not AIC aircraft in control. Sometimes at we need to be aggressive with the controls and take the lead in this dance we call a landing. 

  • mzeroa

    Totally understand. You do however have to realize that when we enter into that transition phase you’re in a glorified version of slow flight. The ailerons are just not as effective as normal. So to just say you must use more ailerons as a blanket statement isn’t correct. It’s a fine line of both. However every situation is different. If the airplane is just yawing left then you only need rudder. Yet if it’s rolling left you need more aileron input.

  • mzeroa

    haha glad to have helped and great point! You can’t forget about those pedals!

    Jason

  • mzeroa

    Again as I mentioned above. It’s all circumstantial read the reply I sent to “Motobob” above

    Jason

  • mzeroa

    That’s too funny! So you were on when the pressure was high and the pavement wasn’t as big! hahah very cool man

    Jason

  • mzeroa

    You’ll need a flight review and however many hours that will take you. I’d go fly with a CFI and let them assess where you are at

    Jason

  • joe vandunk

    thats is a good idea. thanx for the tip

  • Clc_80

    I tried this from the right seat. Perfect centerline landing. Awesome. Thank you so much.

  • Spinninturbine

    Even as a rotorcraft pilot, I enjoy these vids as refreshers.

    Thanks

  • Fromtheflightdeck

    Jason. Someone learning to fly in France sent me your link. Very impressive!

    I’m left seat on the Airbus A320 and it certainly raises an eyebrow when the F/O strays from the centerline. I flew the Airbus A340 for seven years and there was no way you would let it veer with a 198 foot wingspan.

    Just thought I’d say hello and keep up the great work!

    Captain Doug from Canada

  • Ugo

    I’s a bit too generic and not valid for all aircarfts as it depends on visual perception and the observers (pilot) point of view. The width of the aircraft and of the cabin changes this perception. Basically you have to find your reference point (as with most of the flying…) in the aircraft you fly. In some aircrafts the centerline has to “be perceived” on the right shoulder but if you still land to the left, you have to move  you reference point more to the left, maybe in front of you or even on your right shoulder.

  • Chevy5469
  • Tom

    Love your site.                   5/17/2012

    Please note that when trying to view many of your videos, an error shows that “This video is no longer available because the uploader has closed their YouTube account.”Just thought you’d want to know.  

  • Alejandroguzmanpe

    hey man, what happened i cannpt check your videos it says that account its been closed hope you can fix this, your contribution is so important for us,  jope to see you back soon on you tube

  • Kroachesr

    Am also not able to view video because of the ‘closed YouTube account’ issue

  • Sky74834

    Jason, many of your pod casts are no longer available due to “you closing your You Tube” account.
    How can I view these pod casts that are no longer available on You Tube?
    Looking forward to viewing all your pod casts old and new.

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