While we probably can’t approach Bob Hoover’s both-engines-out demonstrations in this Aero Commander, we can use the same energy management techniques to make better landings.

by Pat Veillette

Every good landing requires several important ingredients. And, with landings retaining their top spot among flight operations giving pilots the most trouble—and causing the most accidents—it’s never a bad time to review some of their basic requirements. Recent articles have focused on flying traffic patterns and, among other things, on maintaining control of the airplane all the way to the ramp. Other problem areas regularly demonstrated by pilots include controlling the aim point and managing the energy needed to reach that aim point. In fact, when you look through the landing accident reports, usually one or both of these ingredients is involved. Usually recognition by the pilot that…