Piper CHEROKEE D - Page 34

SECTION Ill
CHEROKEE "D"
The airplane should be_ trimmed to an approach· speed of
about 85 MPH
with flaps up. The flaps can be lowered at speeds
up to liS MPH, if desired, and the approach speed reduced 3
MPH for
each additional notch of flaps. Carburetor heat should
not be applied unless there is an indication of carburetor icing,
since the use of carburetor heat causes a reduction in power
which may
be critical in case of a go-around. Full throttle op-
eration with heat on is likely to cause detonation.
The amount of flap used during landings and the speed of tile
aircraft at contact with the runway should be varied according to
the landing surface and conditions of wind. and a.irplane loading.
It 1s generally· good practice to contact the ground at minimum
possible safe speed consistent with existing conditions.
Normally, the best technique for short and slow landings is
to use full flap and enough power to maintain the desired airspeed
and approach flight path. Reduce the airspeed during flare out
and
contact the ground close to stalling speed. After ground
contact hold the nose wheel off as long as possible. As the air-
plane slows down, drop the nose and apply the brakes. There will
be less chance of skidding the tires if the flaps are retracted
before applying the brakes. Braking is most effective when back
pressure is applied to the control wheel; putting most of the
airplane weight on the main wheels. In high wind conditions,
particularly in strong crosswinds, it may be desirable to approach
the. ground at higher than normal speeds with partial or no flaps.
STOPPING ENGINE
At the pilot's discretion, the flaps should be raised and the
electric fuel pump turned off. After parking, the radios should be
turned off and the engine stopped by pulling the mixture control
to idle cut-off. The throttle should be left full aft to avoid engine
vibration while stopping. Then the magneto and master switches
should be turned off and the parking brake set.
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