RV-4 POLL: 3 Point or Wheel Landing

[Whitman]

RV-4 Drivers. In light of the recent thread, I figured I would add a poll. Which type of landing do you usually do when flying the RV-4. 3 Point or Wheel Landing?

[N200PF]

I know it's personal preference but I'd like to know if any of you feel there is a specific advantage to one over the other.

[RV6_flyer]

Originally Posted by N200PF

I know it's personal preference but I'd like to know if any of you feel there is a specific advantage to one over the other.

The advance of the 3-point is the slower touchdown speed, less tire wear, and less brake wear.

[Jaknjoan]

I feel there is much better control and shorter landings in 3-point landings. Rarely would I even think about doing a wheel-landing.

Jake Thiessen
Independence, OR

[Infidel]

For me, it depends on varying factors. Grass, asphalt, long or short runway, etc..

The reality is; I enjoy every landing in the -4 and IMO, it's easier than a 172.

[N184DA]

I normally wheel land. About the only time I do not, is when landing distance is an issue,, which is rarely. But I can get the airplane stopped in a surprisingly short distance, even with a wheel landing.

Crosswinds,? Most definitely a wheel landing.

Above all else: wheel landings are more fun

Just my preferences

[luddite42]

I only really found wheelies useful in the -4 when conditions were very gusty/turbulent at ground level. In those conditions, nothing is easy, but attempting to 3-point in those conditions was more likely to get you a slam down and/or balloon back up. Smooth x-wind, no reason not to 3-point unless you're out of rudder at 3-point touchdown speed for the amount x-wind present. It's a myth that wheelies are generally better in x-wind. Of course, 3-point is a misnomer in x-wind - it's a 2-point landing of course - main and tailwheel.

[JETGLENN]

I've done a few 2 1/2...2....2 1/2....that end up as full 3 point when I am done.

[bweez]

As drivers of these fine machines, were pretty lucky with the docile characteristics of the -4, as it is one of the easiest landing airplanes out there. Typically, I find the three point landing is usually the attitude seen in the flare and it seems to roll on from there. Every ounce in a while I like to wheel land it for practice...

[N200PF]

Thanks for all the replies, gentlemen! I've been a 3 pointer since I started flying RV's several years ago. I learned in the -6, carried it to the -7 and now 3 point in the -4.

For the time being, I'm going to continue with what I've learned...even in the wind. Maybe it's just what you get used to but I've always been a little uneasy about that transition time to get the tail from flying to stalled while rolling down the runway. I'd almost rather stall a few feet off the ground and land on all three than catch a gust on the tail while it's still flying and send my prop in to the asphalt.

Good thread!!!