Sat 26th BA London to Riyadh landing
Discussion
Evening chaps, excuse the novice question, but our landing last night into Riyadh was unbelievably smooth, it was almost like the plane just gently kissed the runway and we were down. How much of this would be down to pilot skill and how much down to the automated features of the aircraft (777?)
- the answer to your question is yes...Itsallicanafford said:
Evening chaps, excuse the novice question, but our landing last night into Riyadh was unbelievably smooth, it was almost like the plane just gently kissed the runway and we were down. How much of this would be down to pilot skill and how much down to the automated features of the aircraft (777?)
100% pilot skill. Some aircraft are easier to land than others and obviously there are factors like aircraft weight and the weather etc but a manual landing is a manual landing. Remember though that a smooth landing might not actually be a good one. I landed an aircraft very smoothly the other day (not your one). The passengers congratulated me as they were disembarking and the cabin crew (your harshest critics) all said how great it was. My other colleague in the flight deck was kind enough not to tell them all that it was well off the runway centre line and far too far down the runway.
Truckosaurus said:
Is it an urban legend that auto-landing isn't used more often as it is so accurate all the planes would land in exactly the same spot causing a 'dent' in the runway ?
Yes that's b
ks.The auto land is only used when it's reduced visibility like fog or there is some other requirement like training going on.
Pilots are encouraged to practice their skills when appropriate and it would be very rare for a pilot to opt for an auto land when a manual landing was available. Many aircraft auto land systems have limitations and are only available in very light winds and on certain runways with certain approach aids.
el stovey said:
100% pilot skill. Some aircraft are easier to land than others and obviously there are factors like aircraft weight and the weather etc but a manual landing is a manual landing.
Remember though that a smooth landing might not actually be a good one. I landed an aircraft very smoothly the other day (not your one). The passengers congratulated me as they were disembarking and the cabin crew (your harshest critics) all said how great it was. My other colleague in the flight deck was kind enough not to tell them all that it was well off the runway centre line and far too far down the runway.
Ah yes good point, I suppose the landing could be the smoothest ever, right upto the point you parked it in the Starbucks in the arrivals hall...thanks for the insight, much appreciated.Remember though that a smooth landing might not actually be a good one. I landed an aircraft very smoothly the other day (not your one). The passengers congratulated me as they were disembarking and the cabin crew (your harshest critics) all said how great it was. My other colleague in the flight deck was kind enough not to tell them all that it was well off the runway centre line and far too far down the runway.
People ask me all the time if it's the computer that lands it and seem surprised when the reply is no, hardly ever!
When the conditions are calm, ground effect and the huge cushion of air that gets squashed between the aircraft and the Tarmac can make for some nice smooth landings in the triple.
The runway also needs to be protected to perform autolands and this puts restrictions on movements on the ground and with aircraft spacing on final approach so it is only done when weather requires it.
Otherwise this happens,
http://avherald.com/h?article=445873f3
When the conditions are calm, ground effect and the huge cushion of air that gets squashed between the aircraft and the Tarmac can make for some nice smooth landings in the triple.
The runway also needs to be protected to perform autolands and this puts restrictions on movements on the ground and with aircraft spacing on final approach so it is only done when weather requires it.
Otherwise this happens,
http://avherald.com/h?article=445873f3
Kempus said:
Didn't know Pastor Maldonado was a pilot too 
Kempus said:
Interesting article that - What surprised me the most was that the tracks in the grass maxed at just 6 inches in depth. Given the tons centred on the (relatively) small wheels - Must have been a very hot Summer and dry Autumn in Munich!
el stovey said:
Itsallicanafford said:
Evening chaps, excuse the novice question, but our landing last night into Riyadh was unbelievably smooth, it was almost like the plane just gently kissed the runway and we were down. How much of this would be down to pilot skill and how much down to the automated features of the aircraft (777?)
100% pilot skill. Some aircraft are easier to land than others and obviously there are factors like aircraft weight and the weather etc but a manual landing is a manual landing. Remember though that a smooth landing might not actually be a good one. I landed an aircraft very smoothly the other day (not your one). The passengers congratulated me as they were disembarking and the cabin crew (your harshest critics) all said how great it was. My other colleague in the flight deck was kind enough not to tell them all that it was well off the runway centre line and far too far down the runway.
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