Great video. This is my 50th year as a pilot, and 47th year as a flight instructor. The way explained by Rob is exactly how my CFI taught me to land back in 1966. Thank you for this video.
That is the first useful bit of advice in tens of videos on landings I've seen. I have been doing touch and goes non stop for the last maybe six weeks and just can't get the hang of it. Will definitely try this next week.
Thank you, Julian. I do appreciate the comment. I have another video titled, "The Runway Expansion Effect" that you might also want to watch. Best, Rod
So glad this just turned up in the recommendations list. Returning to flying at 50 and struggling to flare. This gives me something new to try. Thanks Rod!
Wish I could have had you in my cockpit last week. This is golden, and I'm going to try it next week. As others have noted, would that all CFIs were as friendly and knowledgeable as you. I've watched a lot of landing videos recently, and this has been the most helpful.
Thank you, Hefeibao. I sure do appreciate that commment. So nice. Flight training should be an enjoyable experience. My students and I have fun, but work hard, too. Your comment means a lot. Best, Rod Machado
Rod, I have be listening to you for years! Starting out with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004! After a month of flying everyday with my first instructor, I wasn't grasping the flare. After watching this video and a few others, I finally got it down. Switching instructors, watching your TH-cam videos, and chair flying really helped me out! Thank you for sticking with flight instructing, you're a good teacher and an awesome aviator!
Rod great video... I have done this uwknowing for years (and I am CFI, ATP. airlines).. However I am left handed and left eye dominate, so I was BORN A CAPTAIN!!!
Rod Serling named his show according to that moment when the pilot cannot see the ground from the horizon. When Rod Serling was asked how he came up with the title The Twilight Zone, he replied, "I thought I'd made it up, but I've heard since that there is an Air Force term relating to a moment when a plane is coming down on approach and it cannot see the horizon." So rather than "hey, Where did the ground go?" Call it "the twilight zone."
Great video, thanks Rod. I'm a 40 plus year flight instructor. Glad someone else is using the same teaching techniques that I've been using.for years. Talk about the cowling blocking the forward view in the flare, what about the poor student in the back seat of a J-3 Cub who has the instructor in the front seat blocking his forward vision at all times. Amazing how many people have learned to fly who had to rely on your technique because the runway was blocked. We won't even talk about Charles Linbergh and the Spirit of St Louis that didn't even have a windshield. One point that I've never understood and I'm surprised you didn't mention it, is the long taught ............."when landing look at the far end of the runway". In fact I just saw a video on You Tube a few weeks ago where a pilot expressed this. As you mentioned, as the flare progresses, the nose blocks the forward view, how are you suppose to see the far end of the runway, plus how are you suppose to judge your height above the ground, sink rate, or if you're ballooning. I think this might be a carry over from looking at the "whole" length of the runway when on final or turning final to help better align the track of the aircraft with the center line. Even though you just reinforced what I've been teaching for years, I have to admit, I didn't know about the dominant eye, and deteriorating peripheral vision over 50. Just two good reason why I watch and listen to other pilots and instructors, there's always something new to learn. Thanks again for sharing. Brian
Thank you, Brian. I am amazed at how many instructors don't teach this simple concept. It sure goes a long way in explaining why some students take such a long time at learning to land an airplane. Thank you for that comment. Best, Rod
I basically grew up on Rod Machado, What an awesome teacher and instructor... From the days of flight simulator training missions to learning how to fly in real life, i was always driven and inspired by Rod. Thank you for being my childhood inspiration!
Thanks Rod!! I am just learning to fly at 62 and enjoying it immensely, but my instructor never taught me this. I am going to give it a try tomorrow on my landings. Keep up the good work, I am studying right now, but will look at more of your videos over the weekend. Caroline
Rod, I'm glad you still have a sense of humor, retired Pilot now but I remember forty years or so ago reading your books, smiling and learning.Keep up the enthusiasm and your willing to share what you know, and thank you.
Thanks. This is exactly my problem. I’m a mature student pilot and consistent landings are my problem for reasons you generally mentioned for all, but my peripheral vision is still immaculate. However, I haven’t been taught your technique which makes a lot of sense. I have read about using peripheral vision before but it doesn’t work. I will try your method now. I’ve discovered that in order for peripheral vision to work your brain has to focus on that area. You can look straight ahead and ignore your peripheral vision or you can look ahead and switch on your peripheral vision. Try it anywhere. We do this if we want to watch someone suspicious without directly looking. Thanks for your excellent presentation.
Well said.,Agree with you 100%. As a mature student no one mentioned switching ON my peripheral vision. I learnt this myself too. Sometimes I forget and have to judge my touchdowns. Also, my c152 does not have that pizza window, so this technique is useless.
I'm a 57 year old student pilot and this video is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I thought I was going to be too old to fly because of the reduced visual acuity. Thanks.
Greetings William: As long as you can pass a 3rd class medical, you're good to go. Believe me when I say you are NOT too old to fly as long as your eyesight is reasonable. Best, Rod Machado
Hi William, as much as I respect Rods reasoning for older pilots, please don’t just accept it. It’ll make you older quicker. Lol. I’m a much older student than you and fortunately my peripheral vision is great. It’s just that I have to train myself to use it, and in my view (pun not intended lol) that’s what everyone needs to do. Hope your flying is going well. Please see my recent comment above.
Rod, you taught me to "fly" in FS2004 when I was 13 years old, and I'll be forever grateful. 🙏 That game and your lessons in it are what introduced me to a life long love for aviation.
Thank you, Mr. C. That's very nice to hear. The fact that I might have played some small part in introducing you to aviation is a tremendously rewarding experience for me! Best to you, Rod Machado
Thanks for sharing Rod. I am left eye dominate, i like fly at the left side. Not only in plane, I am also driving so close to the left side. Now I find out the reason, thank you again Rod!
Watched this video last night, then flew today. I must say, I'm slightly surprised at how well this worked for me! I didn't think I would noticed the "widening" runway, but I did! Thanks for this! Now I have to work on keeping the front wheel up.
I'm happy to hear that this worked for you, Robbles. It's a very helpful technique, especially when you're getting checked out in a different airplane and haven't had time to adjust to a new sight-height picture. Thanks for the comment. Best, Rod
Thank you, Julia. I remember sitting with a group of instructors at a major university and asking them where they teach their students to look when flaring. I'd say that 95% said, "Look over the nose." That's not a guaranteed way of seeing the runway environment when learning to land. I sure do appreciate the comment. Best, Rod
Hello Rod , I want to thank you deeply for being a part of my training. With your help And others on TH-cam I got private in May and now I have the instruments done. Now I am doing commercial. Thank you so much again and I look forward to seeing more great helpful video form you. You work has been so influential in my pilot career so far. Thank you so much again.
Wow Rod, I've been doing what you mentioned in Microsoft Flight Simulator without even knowing it. That pizza slice thing really works; I just kinda figured it out subconsciously when I couldn't see the runway over the noise and resorted to using a "sight picture" which in this case is the pizza slice. The idea of a "sight picture" came from a podcast called "The Finer Points" hosted by pilot Jason Miller.
The last problem I have before taking my first solo has been my flare. My instructor is good and I've had some good landings but I'm going to give this pizza thing a try as the flare is the only thing holding me back. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm looking forward to soloing soon but also respect my instructor wishing for me to have the skills down before doing so. Thank you Rod for explaining this in a clear manner.
This video just blew me away! I was looking for some answers to why I am having soooo much problem landing my 182 which I just recently got. I am 53 and just started flying over a year ago learning in a 172. Well, my landings in the 182 are mixed, sometimes I get it, other times, not so much, I come in beautifully stabilized but when it come to the flair...all bets are off! I have been so frustrated and felt that I am not cut out to be a pilot! All other aspects of my flight are spot on and I am very confident with. Your video just turned on the ole light bulb. The sight picture during the flare is nothing but the nose. I was just hoping my timing was good enough to land it half way decent. I thought this was the way it was done. My instructor said nothing about this. I even got a cushion to elevate me higher in the seat to try to see more over the nose! I am going to go try this technique as soon as I can. This is awesome and thanks so much for this video and information!!! By the way, I am right handed but left eye dominate...guess I am not a normal right-hander but the good news is that I won't have to lean and turn my head as far to look out through the Pizza View with my dominate eye! :o)
Greetings Roger. This is not an uncommon issue with pilots over 50. It happened to me when I drifted past 50. We just lose the span of our peripheral vision as we age. This technique helps. Also, I try to discourage my students from using dark sunglasses as well as polarized sunglasses when first learning to land. Why? Dark glasses reduce the light entering the eye. That is just like squinting with both eyes when landing. It reduces the light passing through the pupil and that diminishes the runway detail that is necessary for depth perception. Polarized glasses are also a big issue when learning to land. But they're an issue when older pilots are learning to land, too. Polarized glasses reduce the highly reflected horizontal light thus minimizing glare. But this also eliminates some very valuable runway detail. How can you have good depth perception if you lose that detail? You can't. Most official pilot sunglasses are not polarized. But if you're using polarized glasses, get rid of them (they're also dangerous in that they eliminate the reflection off distant airplanes that you need to see to avoid these airplanes). Use the lightest tint appropriate to you as well as using non-polarized glasses for normal flying or at least when landing. IMHO.
Great video about the disappearing planet! I am surrounded by pilots who did not have the difficulty learning to land as I do. It's good to hear I am not alone and I also wondered with age if that peripheral view could be the issue. I can't seem to judge my height above the runway, and I always think I am lower than what I am which results in flair, stall and drop. I have looked to the side several times, but thought if I do, I will fly to the side. Just wondering how trying this worked out for you Roger?
@Roger Parker - did it work? I'm in a similar boat - even to being right handed / left eye dominant. I too am having no issue with flying at 52 except for...the flare! And yeah, I'm switching CFIs as well...
@@hefeibao That post was 3 years ago. I still have my 182 as well as a Cirrus with about 500 more hours since last posts. With time and getting used to the site picture I have become much better at the flair and landing. It also helps a lot to be on correct speed. To fast of an approach and landing speed complicates the flair. In my 182 it's approach speed is about 57 to 60 knots. Practice as much as you can, it will come to you.
Thanks Rod! I got back to flying a few years ago after a ten year break. At first everything was going great. I aced my BFR and was squeaking it on the runway. Then after starting to fly some more I started to watch some videos by others talking about where to look on the runway and how to judge your height because I felt like I was having a little trouble judging height now that I'm older. I was always told to look down to the further end of the runway when I was learning years ago and it always seemed to work for me. Well, I had read that looking right over the nose was a good way to judge height and found that I began looking too close right over the nose when coming in to land. This resulted in me making a bad judgement call where I ended up to close the runway and ballooning and not getting in enough power in time, resulted in a bounced landing and a go around. This really shook me for a while and I considered giving up on flying. I've found when I just went back to how I was trained years ago and using some of this method of checking height things are much better.
Amazingly I used this technique as a student but had no clue that is what I was doing! I'd done some 27 hours of initial at a larger field before moving to a new flight school that operated out of a much smaller (and narrower) runway. I was frustrated because despite flying well prior I kept getting "surprised" by the ground, flaring too late at my new school. The wheels were on the ground before I expected them to be. I later discovered what I'd been subconsciously doing at the larger field was flaring as the seal came into my periphery, on the narrower field the seal didn't come into view until I was far to low to properly arrest my decent with the flare. I realised this and began rethinking my landings. Being able to identify what I was doing with your video means I'm able to understand it better and use it to my advantage. Prior all I knew was the cause and effect. Thank you for your discussion!
Thank you Rod, as a mature age pilot working on gaining currency after 27year break,I did not realise the idea of the pizza slice view, so I will try this out this weekend on my next flight, love the domino effect pun , hilarious 😂
I have about 400 landings in my log and they are getting rougher ^^ Thanks for your advice! I flew a PA28 and was sitting higher in that aircraft than in the DA40 that I fly today. Did not think the vision is the problem... I will try that. Cheers! Matt, Germany
Rod, I just happened on this video. After 50 years of flying, (as of this year) I have never heard this "theory or technique" conseptualized in such fashion. It is spot on. In retrospect, it's what I've always done, but never put a thought process on it. Normally i sssumed this what every student does. As an IP in the USAF for a few years, it would have made me a better instructor to teach it. (Although even the toilets have radar alt. in them, in the mil!) I've been away from flying for a few years and am now back in, buying an Aronica 7AC this week. I'll be interested to see how much my vision "thru the pizza has suffered. Great video! Thx.
Thanks for this "slice of pie". I wish more CFI's incorporated this technique with their students, to aid with one of the most challenging aspects of the landing sequence. My CFIs always told me to focus beyond the nose, which is fine, until the flare and all the apparent reference becomes the nose.
Rod , I studied your books through my flight training and than to you for these amazing vids ! I hope some day to meet you in person .youre An inspiration !!
Now I know why my instructors could always land better: they are in the right seat and don't have to shift their vision as much to see the pizza slice. I cannot tell you how many instructors and other pilot advise, "look all the way down the runway until you touch down." This is great teaching.
Thank you very much for this! I am having a difficult time with my landings and it is keeping me from my solo. I will be using this for next flight this weekend.
Hi Rod. My instructor taught me to look to the side during flare, just like in your video. But I have never felt comfortable doing it and could never abandon my habit of looking forward. Looking sideways gives me hard time keeping the A/C flying straight in center line and keep correct bank/rudder especially during crosswind. So I never learnt to use this method. Reading through comments below it seems I am the only one with such issue.
I pretend I can see through the nose to the end of the runway, but I beleive my brain constructs that picture using peripheral I just didn't realise it.
This video answers the question of why I flair over the numbers on my recent check ride and have such a hard landing. When I was 25 I could squeak a landing. Now I am 70 years old and just took a check ride after being out of the cockpit over 20 years. You might add that an old pilot may have Cataracts removed and loose focus on the non-dominate eye, in my case my left eye. Dusk flight did not help either. Thanks for the info, don't feel so bad now.
Rod, thank you so much for this. I returned to flying four years ago after a long break and at first was making great landings and passed my BFR with no issues. I then began to experience some issues with judging height above the runway at times and I thought I was losing my periph or depth perception and have considered whether to continue to flying. I will definitely try this out and see if I can again become more consistent with squeaking it on.
Thanks for making this video captain.Rod. This really helped me as i had some flare troubles (On simulator) and i am sure it will help me in my flight training. Keep up the good work and keep on making videos for us.THANKS AGAIN!!!
Ik nthg abt flyin... But yet iam fascinated by those awesome flying machines....... I always had the curiousity of what pilot goes through or should do while landing...... You solved my nagging question of long...... Thank you so much sir
6:30 The exception here! I have a pretty bad right eye. I'm right handed in most things, but things like shooting that rely on a good eye, I use left handed. My mom was in instructor in judo and jiu jitsu for 15 years and noted my fighting stance favors my left, but I'm ambidextrous in that regard.
Excellent presentation! I just sent this to all of my students who are pre-solo and working on landings! I will definitely discuss this technique before we go jump into the pattern tomorrow and see what happens!
my periphery senses are exactly why my instructor told me my very first landing was a gem... my spatial awareness is uncanny, probably from all those years learning to play baseball and football !
I learned I was right eye dominant from archery class in college. Always had my head out the left side during Landing. Just looked where I needed to to get it done.
I didn't even knew that you had a channel! I still learn flying in the Flight Simulator X where you'r introduced as my flight intructor! I would say, the best flight instructor ever
I do. And I'm happy you found it. And your comment about FS is deeply appreciated. I wrote those lessons in FS to be as close to "real flying life" as possible in a simulator. Best, Rod
Struggling with my landings at the moment, it’s the only thing stopping from me going solo. I will definitely try this out in my next flight, I’ll be back to say how it goes - but thank you for the content. Subscribed EDIT: Thank you so much Rod! Greased my landings after trying this method and just went solo today!! 💃🏽
Once again as always, great content. No one ever told me about this technique but I seem to use it anyways. Instinctively? Who knows, anymore? I sure do want to get your emergency course (if I don't already have it) so I am heading to your site after this post. Thanks, again, Rod.
*this was really helpful! I was always scared that the nose raises, because I like having my sight, it's scary because you're approaching something at 60-75 kts, it's tough to get over that! but alas, I love it* great video! :)
Greetings Peacewind: Thank you so much for those comments. I sure do appreciate your taking the time to post them and I'm pleased you find these videos helpful. Best to you, Rod Machado
You can use a head tracking device with most flight simulators which allow you to "lean" your head. You can dial back the sensitivity, so that you have to exaggerate the leaning in the simulator to get a good view which will enforce muscle memory.
I have recently read that pizza slice was also known as the “Lindbergh” window because of the visual obscuration of the fuel tank during his famous Atlantic crossing flight.
I've taught every student the same technique of looking over the nose that I use from the beginning and never had any problems. Sometimes a seat cushion is needed to get the eyes to the correct level. If in an airplane like the Cherokee Six with its long nose, it is necessary to look along the edge of the cowling the same distance ahead - that's keeps it as close as possible to a normal view over the nose along the centerline, which is important for orientation as well as seeing the runway surface as well as possible with the landing light during night landings.
"And since you haven't paid your instructor yet..." Is one of the funniest jokes in all of Aviation TH-cam. Instant subscribe.
Thank you, Josh.
That's hilarious. And true
Great video. This is my 50th year as a pilot, and 47th year as a flight instructor. The way explained by Rob is exactly how my CFI taught me to land back in 1966. Thank you for this video.
Thank you, Doug.
Best,
Rod
That is the first useful bit of advice in tens of videos on landings I've seen. I have been doing touch and goes non stop for the last maybe six weeks and just can't get the hang of it. Will definitely try this next week.
Thank you, Julian. I do appreciate the comment. I have another video titled, "The Runway Expansion Effect" that you might also want to watch.
Best,
Rod
So glad this just turned up in the recommendations list. Returning to flying at 50 and struggling to flare. This gives me something new to try. Thanks Rod!
You are not alone. Look at the comments - seem us older student or returning pilots are in the majority of this helping.
Wish I could have had you in my cockpit last week. This is golden, and I'm going to try it next week. As others have noted, would that all CFIs were as friendly and knowledgeable as you. I've watched a lot of landing videos recently, and this has been the most helpful.
Thank you, Hefeibao. I sure do appreciate that commment. So nice. Flight training should be an enjoyable experience. My students and I have fun, but work hard, too. Your comment means a lot.
Best,
Rod Machado
Come be my instructor! Your voice is so calm and you seem to patient!
Thank you, Sam Girl. That's so nice of you to say!!
Best,
Rod
I’ve encountered this several times. Instructors are very proficient at flying and are knowledgeable but don’t know how to TEACH. Thank you Rod.
Rod, I have be listening to you for years! Starting out with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004! After a month of flying everyday with my first instructor, I wasn't grasping the flare. After watching this video and a few others, I finally got it down. Switching instructors, watching your TH-cam videos, and chair flying really helped me out! Thank you for sticking with flight instructing, you're a good teacher and an awesome aviator!
Greetings Yuran:
Thank you for that very nice comment. I really do appreciate it.
Rod
Rod Machado Anytime, Rod! Keep it up and I'll see you up in the skies!
Rod Machado Your too high! your too low! pull up! Ive heard that alot from you on FSX 😂
You're misusing the word "your." Jus' sayin'....
Thanks so much Rod my landings are good but needed improvement your videos are so helpful .
My FS2002 hero, Rod! Everything I know now about aviation started with this guy
Honorable shout outs also include, John and Martha King
Rod great video... I have done this uwknowing for years (and I am CFI, ATP. airlines).. However I am left handed and left eye dominate, so I was BORN A CAPTAIN!!!
I really like your teaching style/cartoon. I always get a chuckle. Great job Rob
Rod Serling named his show according to that moment when the pilot cannot see the ground from the horizon. When Rod Serling was asked how he came up with the title The Twilight Zone, he replied, "I thought I'd made it up, but I've heard since that there is an Air Force term relating to a moment when a plane is coming down on approach and it cannot see the horizon."
So rather than "hey, Where did the ground go?" Call it "the twilight zone."
So nice! I like it.
Rod
Working on touch and goes tomorrow, this is perfect timing
Great video, thanks Rod. I'm a 40 plus year flight instructor. Glad someone else is using the same teaching techniques that I've been using.for years. Talk about the cowling blocking the forward view in the flare, what about the poor student in the back seat of a J-3 Cub who has the instructor in the front seat blocking his forward vision at all times. Amazing how many people have learned to fly who had to rely on your technique because the runway was blocked. We won't even talk about Charles Linbergh and the Spirit of St Louis that didn't even have a windshield. One point that I've never understood and I'm surprised you didn't mention it, is the long taught ............."when landing look at the far end of the runway". In fact I just saw a video on You Tube a few weeks ago where a pilot expressed this. As you mentioned, as the flare progresses, the nose blocks the forward view, how are you suppose to see the far end of the runway, plus how are you suppose to judge your height above the ground, sink rate, or if you're ballooning. I think this might be a carry over from looking at the "whole" length of the runway when on final or turning final to help better align the track of the aircraft with the center line. Even though you just reinforced what I've been teaching for years, I have to admit, I didn't know about the dominant eye, and deteriorating peripheral vision over 50. Just two good reason why I watch and listen to other pilots and instructors, there's always something new to learn. Thanks again for sharing.
Brian
Thank you, Brian. I am amazed at how many instructors don't teach this simple concept. It sure goes a long way in explaining why some students take such a long time at learning to land an airplane. Thank you for that comment.
Best,
Rod
I basically grew up on Rod Machado,
What an awesome teacher and instructor...
From the days of flight simulator training missions to learning how to fly in real life, i was always driven and inspired by Rod.
Thank you for being my childhood inspiration!
Greetings BeepIL:
That's so nice of you to say and your comment is much appreciated. Thank you!!!
Sincerely,
Rod Machado
Thanks Rod!! I am just learning to fly at 62 and enjoying it immensely, but my instructor never taught me this. I am going to give it a try tomorrow on my landings. Keep up the good work, I am studying right now, but will look at more of your videos over the weekend. Caroline
Thank you, Caroline. I hope this works for you.
Best,
Rod Machado
And take a look at this video, too: th-cam.com/video/9JfoZERqM7Q/w-d-xo.html
Rod, I'm glad you still have a sense of humor, retired Pilot now but I remember forty years or so ago reading your books, smiling and learning.Keep up the enthusiasm and your willing to share what you know, and thank you.
Thanks. This is exactly my problem. I’m a mature student pilot and consistent landings are my problem for reasons you generally mentioned for all, but my peripheral vision is still immaculate.
However, I haven’t been taught your technique which makes a lot of sense. I have read about using peripheral vision before but it doesn’t work. I will try your method now.
I’ve discovered that in order for peripheral vision to work your brain has to focus on that area.
You can look straight ahead and ignore your peripheral vision or you can look ahead and switch on your peripheral vision. Try it anywhere. We do this if we want to watch someone suspicious without directly looking.
Thanks for your excellent presentation.
Well said.,Agree with you 100%. As a mature student no one mentioned switching ON my peripheral vision. I learnt this myself too. Sometimes I forget and have to judge my touchdowns.
Also, my c152 does not have that pizza window, so this technique is useless.
Excellent advice, cute video. Thank you very much ✈️👍
Thank you, Diana.
I do appreciate the comment.
Best,
Rod Machado
I'm a 57 year old student pilot and this video is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I thought I was going to be too old to fly because of the reduced visual acuity. Thanks.
Greetings William:
As long as you can pass a 3rd class medical, you're good to go. Believe me when I say you are NOT too old to fly as long as your eyesight is reasonable.
Best,
Rod Machado
Hi William, as much as I respect Rods reasoning for older pilots, please don’t just accept it. It’ll make you older quicker. Lol.
I’m a much older student than you and fortunately my peripheral vision is great. It’s just that I have to train myself to use it, and in my view (pun not intended lol) that’s what everyone needs to do.
Hope your flying is going well.
Please see my recent comment above.
Update: Passed my PPL Check Ride on 10/20/2023. Thanks for the videos.
Rod, you taught me to "fly" in FS2004 when I was 13 years old, and I'll be forever grateful. 🙏
That game and your lessons in it are what introduced me to a life long love for aviation.
Thank you, Mr. C. That's very nice to hear. The fact that I might have played some small part in introducing you to aviation is a tremendously rewarding experience for me!
Best to you,
Rod Machado
Wish I'd seen this ten years ago when I having a hell of time learning to land as a 53 year old student pilot.
As always, great lesson.
Thank you, Alexandr!
Thanks for sharing Rod. I am left eye dominate, i like fly at the left side. Not only in plane, I am also driving so close to the left side. Now I find out the reason, thank you again Rod!
Thank you, Yuanda! I sure do appreciate the comment.
Best,
Rod
Watched this video last night, then flew today. I must say, I'm slightly surprised at how well this worked for me! I didn't think I would noticed the "widening" runway, but I did! Thanks for this! Now I have to work on keeping the front wheel up.
I'm happy to hear that this worked for you, Robbles. It's a very helpful technique, especially when you're getting checked out in a different airplane and haven't had time to adjust to a new sight-height picture. Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Rod
this video is amazing... I was not expecting it to be so funny!!!!!!! love it!!!
Thank you, Julia. I remember sitting with a group of instructors at a major university and asking them where they teach their students to look when flaring. I'd say that 95% said, "Look over the nose." That's not a guaranteed way of seeing the runway environment when learning to land. I sure do appreciate the comment.
Best,
Rod
Hello Rod ,
I want to thank you deeply for being a part of my training. With your help And others on TH-cam I got private in May and now I have the instruments done. Now I am doing commercial. Thank you so much again and I look forward to seeing more great helpful video form you. You work has been so influential in my pilot career so far. Thank you so much again.
Wow Rod, I've been doing what you mentioned in Microsoft Flight Simulator without even knowing it. That pizza slice thing really works; I just kinda figured it out subconsciously when I couldn't see the runway over the noise and resorted to using a "sight picture" which in this case is the pizza slice. The idea of a "sight picture" came from a podcast called "The Finer Points" hosted by pilot Jason Miller.
The last problem I have before taking my first solo has been my flare. My instructor is good and I've had some good landings but I'm going to give this pizza thing a try as the flare is the only thing holding me back. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm looking forward to soloing soon but also respect my instructor wishing for me to have the skills down before doing so. Thank you Rod for explaining this in a clear manner.
Thanks Rod. Will definitely trying this one on my next flight’s mission
I learned from this video to not pay my CFI until AFTER the flight.!
Many thanks , really helpful
This video just blew me away! I was looking for some answers to why I am having soooo much problem landing my 182 which I just recently got. I am 53 and just started flying over a year ago learning in a 172. Well, my landings in the 182 are mixed, sometimes I get it, other times, not so much, I come in beautifully stabilized but when it come to the flair...all bets are off! I have been so frustrated and felt that I am not cut out to be a pilot! All other aspects of my flight are spot on and I am very confident with. Your video just turned on the ole light bulb. The sight picture during the flare is nothing but the nose. I was just hoping my timing was good enough to land it half way decent. I thought this was the way it was done. My instructor said nothing about this. I even got a cushion to elevate me higher in the seat to try to see more over the nose! I am going to go try this technique as soon as I can. This is awesome and thanks so much for this video and information!!! By the way, I am right handed but left eye dominate...guess I am not a normal right-hander but the good news is that I won't have to lean and turn my head as far to look out through the Pizza View with my dominate eye! :o)
Greetings Roger. This is not an uncommon issue with pilots over 50. It happened to me when I drifted past 50. We just lose the span of our peripheral vision as we age. This technique helps. Also, I try to discourage my students from using dark sunglasses as well as polarized sunglasses when first learning to land. Why? Dark glasses reduce the light entering the eye. That is just like squinting with both eyes when landing. It reduces the light passing through the pupil and that diminishes the runway detail that is necessary for depth perception. Polarized glasses are also a big issue when learning to land. But they're an issue when older pilots are learning to land, too. Polarized glasses reduce the highly reflected horizontal light thus minimizing glare. But this also eliminates some very valuable runway detail. How can you have good depth perception if you lose that detail? You can't. Most official pilot sunglasses are not polarized. But if you're using polarized glasses, get rid of them (they're also dangerous in that they eliminate the reflection off distant airplanes that you need to see to avoid these airplanes). Use the lightest tint appropriate to you as well as using non-polarized glasses for normal flying or at least when landing. IMHO.
Good luck with applying this!
Great video about the disappearing planet! I am surrounded by pilots who did not have the difficulty learning to land as I do. It's good to hear I am not alone and I also wondered with age if that peripheral view could be the issue. I can't seem to judge my height above the runway, and I always think I am lower than what I am which results in flair, stall and drop. I have looked to the side several times, but thought if I do, I will fly to the side. Just wondering how trying this worked out for you Roger?
@Roger Parker - did it work? I'm in a similar boat - even to being right handed / left eye dominant. I too am having no issue with flying at 52 except for...the flare! And yeah, I'm switching CFIs as well...
@@hefeibao That post was 3 years ago. I still have my 182 as well as a Cirrus with about 500 more hours since last posts. With time and getting used to the site picture I have become much better at the flair and landing. It also helps a lot to be on correct speed. To fast of an approach and landing speed complicates the flair. In my 182 it's approach speed is about 57 to 60 knots. Practice as much as you can, it will come to you.
I doubted the voice. I felt like I heard it already so came to check in comment section wow it's true.. this is rod
Great tip, I got my pilot's licenses many moons ago and I am thinking of getting current again.
Thanks Rod! I got back to flying a few years ago after a ten year break. At first everything was going great. I aced my BFR and was squeaking it on the runway. Then after starting to fly some more I started to watch some videos by others talking about where to look on the runway and how to judge your height because I felt like I was having a little trouble judging height now that I'm older. I was always told to look down to the further end of the runway when I was learning years ago and it always seemed to work for me. Well, I had read that looking right over the nose was a good way to judge height and found that I began looking too close right over the nose when coming in to land. This resulted in me making a bad judgement call where I ended up to close the runway and ballooning and not getting in enough power in time, resulted in a bounced landing and a go around. This really shook me for a while and I considered giving up on flying. I've found when I just went back to how I was trained years ago and using some of this method of checking height things are much better.
This helped my landings so much!
Thank you, Chevy! I do appreciate the comment very much.
Best,
Rod Machado
The humor was great! I loved it
Amazingly I used this technique as a student but had no clue that is what I was doing! I'd done some 27 hours of initial at a larger field before moving to a new flight school that operated out of a much smaller (and narrower) runway. I was frustrated because despite flying well prior I kept getting "surprised" by the ground, flaring too late at my new school. The wheels were on the ground before I expected them to be. I later discovered what I'd been subconsciously doing at the larger field was flaring as the seal came into my periphery, on the narrower field the seal didn't come into view until I was far to low to properly arrest my decent with the flare. I realised this and began rethinking my landings. Being able to identify what I was doing with your video means I'm able to understand it better and use it to my advantage. Prior all I knew was the cause and effect. Thank you for your discussion!
Nobody:
Rod literally being the instuctor in fsx
Rod! You are my hero. My kids and I learned how to fly on fs 2004... good to see you. Pitch power trim!
Thank you Rod, as a mature age pilot working on gaining currency after 27year break,I did not realise the idea of the pizza slice view, so I will try this out this weekend on my next flight, love the domino effect pun , hilarious 😂
I have about 400 landings in my log and they are getting rougher ^^ Thanks for your advice! I flew a PA28 and was sitting higher in that aircraft than in the DA40 that I fly today. Did not think the vision is the problem... I will try that. Cheers! Matt, Germany
Rod, I just happened on this video. After 50 years of flying, (as of this year) I have never heard this "theory or technique" conseptualized in such fashion. It is spot on. In retrospect, it's what I've always done, but never put a thought process on it. Normally i sssumed this what every student does. As an IP in the USAF for a few years, it would have made me a better instructor to teach it. (Although even the toilets have radar alt. in them, in the mil!) I've been away from flying for a few years and am now back in, buying an Aronica 7AC this week. I'll be interested to see how much my vision "thru the pizza has suffered. Great video! Thx.
Thanks for this "slice of pie". I wish more CFI's incorporated this technique with their students, to aid with one of the most challenging aspects of the landing sequence. My CFIs always told me to focus beyond the nose, which is fine, until the flare and all the apparent reference becomes the nose.
Excellent application of experience so proficiently analysed. I wish somebody had taught me all that 45 years ago. Many thanks Rod.
Wow.... Mr. Rod Machado! I thought he was a Chimera! Had thousands of lessons on FSX, and I'm definitely subscribing to this channel!
Thank you sir!
Rod , I studied your books through my flight training and than to you for these amazing vids ! I hope some day to meet you in person .youre An inspiration !!
thank you for the genuine and to-the-point content.
You are welcome, Evnt.
Best,
Rod
That's an awesome technique to teach my students! Always great to see a different perspective. I will utilize this in training. Thanks!!
Thank you, Alec. I do appreciate it very much!
Best to you and your students.
Rod
Excellent video! And I'm still laughing about the itsy bitsy deeply disturbing spider comment at 5:46!
Thank you, John. Ah, glad you liked the spider spin.
Best,
Rod
Now I know why my instructors could always land better: they are in the right seat and don't have to shift their vision as much to see the pizza slice. I cannot tell you how many instructors and other pilot advise, "look all the way down the runway until you touch down." This is great teaching.
Most teach this way but it's not the best way to initially learn to flare an airplane. Thank you for that comment.
Rod
Blessings to you. i love your videos.
Thank you very much for this! I am having a difficult time with my landings and it is keeping me from my solo. I will be using this for next flight this weekend.
That joke about the Chinese tire brand was hilarious 😂
Hi Rod. My instructor taught me to look to the side during flare, just like in your video. But I have never felt comfortable doing it and could never abandon my habit of looking forward. Looking sideways gives me hard time keeping the A/C flying straight in center line and keep correct bank/rudder especially during crosswind. So I never learnt to use this method. Reading through comments below it seems I am the only one with such issue.
I pretend I can see through the nose to the end of the runway, but I beleive my brain constructs that picture using peripheral I just didn't realise it.
Those damn gravity waves. Definitely storing this one in the crosswind box.
This video answers the question of why I flair over the numbers on my recent check ride and have such a hard landing. When I was 25 I could squeak a landing. Now I am 70 years old and just took a check ride after being out of the cockpit over 20 years. You might add that an old pilot may have Cataracts removed and loose focus on the non-dominate eye, in my case my left eye. Dusk flight did not help either. Thanks for the info, don't feel so bad now.
And you still passed you medical exam?
Rod, I'm student pilot and all your videos are so helpful. Thank you so much!
This is common since stuff. Thanks for re introducing it. It works every time.
Thank you, Craig. I do appreciate the comment.
Rod
Rod, thank you so much for this. I returned to flying four years ago after a long break and at first was making great landings and passed my BFR with no issues. I then began to experience some issues with judging height above the runway at times and I thought I was losing my periph or depth perception and have considered whether to continue to flying. I will definitely try this out and see if I can again become more consistent with squeaking it on.
Great video, very informative. Love your sense of humor. Thank you!
Thank you, Brian. I appreciate the comment very much.
Best,
Rod
@@Flight-Instructor Ur welcome.
Thank you rod ive been a fan since from the ground up and now im flying the airbus
Great video Rod. We’re all missing you and your corny jokes over at the new Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Thanks for making this video captain.Rod. This really helped me as i had some flare troubles (On simulator) and i am sure it will help me in my flight training. Keep up the good work and keep on making videos for us.THANKS AGAIN!!!
Landing: a midair collision with a planet.
Really appreciate your time and effort making he video. You're a great teacher.
Rod you're the man. Thanks for helping me fly since fs2004 to my PP course now!
excellent ...a "light bulb moment" video for me, thanks
Thank you Motoputz. I do appreciate the nice comment.
Best,
Rod
Great video. Very. Well explained.
Hi Rod: My Flight Physician gave me your Student Pilot Handbook as a gift. I just finished it today. Thanks for the humor!
Thanks Rod, Always a big help.
Thank you sir I’m doing my atpl training and these were great tips!
Hey Rod.... you're too hard on flight sim X!! You keep kicking me out of the plane. Sounds just like it🤣🤣
Ik nthg abt flyin... But yet iam fascinated by those awesome flying machines....... I always had the curiousity of what pilot goes through or should do while landing...... You solved my nagging question of long...... Thank you so much sir
6:30 The exception here! I have a pretty bad right eye. I'm right handed in most things, but things like shooting that rely on a good eye, I use left handed. My mom was in instructor in judo and jiu jitsu for 15 years and noted my fighting stance favors my left, but I'm ambidextrous in that regard.
Excellent presentation! I just sent this to all of my students who are pre-solo and working on landings! I will definitely discuss this technique before we go jump into the pattern tomorrow and see what happens!
You're a good man, David. Anyone that is open to new techniques and idea is a fine instructor, indeed. And thanks for the comment, too.
Rod
im still learning the theories, but thanks for the tip Rod, ill keep this in mind.
my periphery senses are exactly why my instructor told me my very first landing was a gem... my spatial awareness is uncanny, probably from all those years learning to play baseball and football !
Just got your book and learning a ton! Thank you🙏
Thank you for that comment, MBM. I do appreciate it.
Best,
Rod
I learned I was right eye dominant from archery class in college. Always had my head out the left side during Landing. Just looked where I needed to to get it done.
I didn't even knew that you had a channel! I still learn flying in the Flight Simulator X where you'r introduced as my flight intructor! I would say, the best flight instructor ever
I do. And I'm happy you found it. And your comment about FS is deeply appreciated. I wrote those lessons in FS to be as close to "real flying life" as possible in a simulator.
Best,
Rod
Struggling with my landings at the moment, it’s the only thing stopping from me going solo. I will definitely try this out in my next flight, I’ll be back to say how it goes - but thank you for the content. Subscribed
EDIT: Thank you so much Rod! Greased my landings after trying this method and just went solo today!! 💃🏽
Same here 😭 I’ll try his pizza method during tomorrow’s flight 🤞🏽
Melissa V. Esparza all the best. My next flight is Monday so I’ll try it then 😁
This tip impruved my landings thank you very much!!!!
Your material id first class where there is just so much poorly done content out there. Thanks for your commitment to quality
JR
Thank you, James. I do appreciate the comment.
Rod
Thank you Rob
Thank you Rod, that was some great advice
Once again as always, great content. No one ever told me about this technique but I seem to use it anyways. Instinctively? Who knows, anymore? I sure do want to get your emergency course (if I don't already have it) so I am heading to your site after this post. Thanks, again, Rod.
*this was really helpful! I was always scared that the nose raises, because I like having my sight, it's scary because you're approaching something at 60-75 kts, it's tough to get over that! but alas, I love it* great video! :)
Quite a good approach. I have found a big stick of bamboo is just as good.
I 100% blame my flight instructor for getting me addicted to this channel...
Greetings Peacewind:
Thank you so much for those comments. I sure do appreciate your taking the time to post them and I'm pleased you find these videos helpful.
Best to you,
Rod Machado
You can use a head tracking device with most flight simulators which allow you to "lean" your head. You can dial back the sensitivity, so that you have to exaggerate the leaning in the simulator to get a good view which will enforce muscle memory.
I have recently read that pizza slice was also known as the “Lindbergh” window because of the visual obscuration of the fuel tank during his famous Atlantic crossing flight.
Rod is the man
Fantastic presentation brother. Well done. Unique and a fresh style of teaching. I enjoyed it a lot.
Thank you, Ian. That's very nice of you to say. Please subscribe if you haven't already done so. I sure do appreciate that comment.
Rod
my FSX instructor!!
I've taught every student the same technique of looking over the nose that I use from the beginning and never had any problems. Sometimes a seat cushion is needed to get the eyes to the correct level. If in an airplane like the Cherokee Six with its long nose, it is necessary to look along the edge of the cowling the same distance ahead - that's keeps it as close as possible to a normal view over the nose along the centerline, which is important for orientation as well as seeing the runway surface as well as possible with the landing light during night landings.
my first ever flight instructor before flying school
Hello, Rod! You're always a great help.
Great demo, Rod; it was eye-opening! Now I'll have to get me some pizza... your fault!