How to - A32 Vixxen Advanced Short Landings

This is a demonstration acts as a brief guide to the short landing performance of the Vixxen – this, by all means, should not be taken as a lesson, rather than a showcase of the performance and capabilities.

We highly recommended that you should fly with a certified flight instructor to practice any of the maneuvers and techniques shown in this video.

The Vixxen POH quote a stall speed, at the maximum (MTOW) of 27 knots IAS. This is substantially reduced when less then full weight is carried - In some cases, a stall speed of 24 knots can be seen on the airspeed indicator.

Knowing when the aircraft stall and what signs to look for in the cockpit is very important in order to get the shortest landing roll possible. As when it comes to stopping our VIxxen. The energy we need to dissipate is proportional to the aircraft mass (weight) times the square of its landing speed!!

Even when a normal landing is performed - the 32 Vixxen will land and stop in around 100m of the runway (which the aircraft POH quote for)

With a bit of practice, and assisted with the technique shown in this video, a short landing can be reduced to 50m or under.

The DA altitude today was calculated at 1,780ft, the OAT is 23c. The winds 11-14 knots.

The main goal behind the short landing technique in the A32 Vixxen, is to make sure we touch down firmly (not hard, firm) at or very close to the stall point of the aircraft.

We basically, like to make sure the wing produce as little lift as possible when we touch down and then transfer as much weight to the wheels to assist with braking and friction.

I highly recommended you practice stalling the aircraft many times at safe altitude to recognise the stall point of the aircraft. In the Vixxen, The straight and level flight the stall characteristics are extremely benign with little, to no wing drop. In addition, a well defines buffet can be noticed a few knots above the stall.
Finally – the Yoke or Stick will be at their most aft position – making it very easy to identify by feel and visual cues without any reference to the ASI.



The technique:

1. Fly a stable final approach, with full flap at speed of 35-40 - knots (remember, you stall at 27knots at MTOW!)

2. Identify visually your designated wheels touch down point, making sure it’s very clear to you where you like to put the wheehe video THE Landing distance was 45mls down. Then aim about 15 meters or so prior to it. ( assuming no obstacle on the way)

3. Enter ground effect and with a smooth and small application of power maintain speed just of around 30-35knots.

4. When you approach your touch down point move your hand from the throttle to the flap handle.

5. Flare as normal.

6. Just before the aircraft stall and when about 5-10cm above the runway (and you reach your landing point) positively reduce the flap to 0 making sure land firm (but not hard!) with the main wheels first.

7. Move your hand back to the brake lever and apply maximum safe braking

foxbat.com.au