Short Field Landings

On my birthday (Nov 30th), Dr. Pete McConnell and I went out for some Complex dual (I need 10 hours total for the commercial and have 4.6 logged to date). We concentrated on slow flight in the A36.

This A36 has vortex generators installed along the leading edge of the wings. I'm not certain, but I think they help maintain laminar airflow over the top of the wing at critical angle of attack, thus improving slow flight characteristics and reducing the airspeed at which the wing stalls (Though we know that exceeding the critical angle of attack actually stalls the wing, once we get so slow that there is insufficient airflow, no angle of attack will continue supporting the wing and thus we stall).

There is obvious buffeting prior to the full stall. When it finally stalls there is a fairly gentle break in either landing or clean configuration. Keep the ball centered and there is little or no wing drop.

The A36 will fly all day at 65 KIAS, though at a fairly high angle of attack to maintain level flight.

The A36 POH doesn't provide short field takeoff and landing procedures, but older Bonanza guidance as well as FAA guidance is final approach at 1.3 x Vso. In this airplane that is roughly 70 KIAS.

So we flew the pattern at 70 KIAS all the way down to the fence, then held it off at about 63 KIAS. When we finally touched down the ground roll was negligible. So that will be my technique for the short field landings from now on (including on the practical test).