Falcon 4.0 - Landing Part I

Landing the F-16 in Falcon 4.0 is one of the most challenging simulations I have encountered thus far. (Completed at the Ace setting with 100% realism.)

An overview of the procedure is simple:

• Set up sight picture at 2.5 degree glide path angle
  
• Gradually slow to 160kt at brakes and gear deployed
• Pass runway threshold and bring the velocity indicator to the horizon and settle to the ground without exceeding 15 degree attitude.
• Touchdown and use aerodynamic braking to slow aircraft before engaging brakes (k.)
  

The procedure is obviously more complicated, but this was how my first attempts went:

• Approached too slow, flared too high, crashed into runway.
• Approached too slow, did not flare soon enough, crashed into runway.
• Approached at proper speed, flared, floated, over-corrected, crashed into runway.
• Approached at proper speed, flared gently and smoothly, did not float, flare exceeded 15 degrees, nozzle and brakes were damaged and the aircraft rolled uncontrollably off the runway.
• Approached too fast, used up entire runway to stop and hit fence.

I decided to immediately remedy the situation by reviewing the variables involved and some simple planning. The most important independent variables in a landing this particular simulator I gathered to be (in this order):

• Weight
• Runway length
  
• Wind

Then there are some important dependent variables (things you will need to achieve in order to make a successful landing), listed in this order of importance:

• Speed
• Power
• Pitch angle
  

Just keep these in mind. When you come in for a landing, be aware of your weight, runway length, and any wind listed in the briefing (most of the time, wind will be negligible. But it is important if the wind picks up for ground controllability and your approach to landing.) From this, you can figure out how much power you will need to cushion the touchdown from a flare; what pitch angle you need on approach; and any rudder input you will need.

In order to put these things into effect, there are things I do with an aircraft other than try to slam it on the runway if I have trouble landing and hoping I get it right "this time."

First, take note of your weight by entering the munitions view. Try removing all weapons and fuel tanks and even the ECM pod--this should put you around 26,000 for weight. You'll notice on take off that the aircraft lifts off easier and it more easily maneuvered. Climb to approximately 1500 ft AGL (this would never be done in real life with any aircraft, of course; but it is still relatively close to the ground and the characteristics will be very similar than if you were immediately above the runway.) Level off, slow below 300 kt, deploy brakes and gear. Now bring throttle to idle. Slow to 160 kt. Bring your pitch to 10 degrees and keep it there. Now add power to keep the flight path marker on the horizon. At low weight, you should be able to slow to 150 kt or less. Once this velocity of slow-and-level flight is achieved, remove a little power so the flight path marker it slightly below the horizon (no more than 1 degree.) Make a note of your rpm, fuel flow, and the sound of the engine. You can try some maneuvering as well to get a feel for slow flying--try a 20 degree turn to the left or right while keeping your flight level. You will need to increase power to achieve this.

Second, from this configuration. Try to descend by reducing power, but keep your pitch the same. It won't require a large reduction in power to begin an steady descent--do not let speed drop below 145 kt. Next, try an ascent--this will require a larger increase in power. Do this smoothly and gently, however.

Practice this until you are comfortable that you can duplicate it at any time. Then attempt this maneuver with different weights--fuel tanks, 2000lb bombs, etc. Get within a few thousands of your maximum weight. You'll notice everything slower to react. It take more power to keep in slow flight. It takes less of a reduction to begin a descent. And it takes more power, perhaps even a little afterburner, to climb.

Third, begin an approach for a landing. Line up, get the runway threshold at a 2.5 degree glide path, set up as if you were going to do slow flight with a slight descent. Put the flight path marker at the runway threshold, slow to 160, establish the necessary pitch angle(8-12 degrees), and use ONLY POWER to control the location of the flight path marker. If you are flying light-weight, you can approach at a slower speed (150 kt) as you near the threshold. Before you touchdown, however, add power to bring the flight path marker to the horizon or a touch above. Keep the same pitch angle (not over 14 degrees) and use power to keep from touching down. Use the entire runway, then add full throttle and climb out as if taking off.

Once comfortable with these, landing will be much easier.