Nick,

 

Ah, a lesson for me - I should read the question more thoroughly.

 

For a good landing, you need to have enough energy to do a normal flare and
level the plane out before touching.

 

I define minimum flying speed as what you see on your airspeed indicator
when your are gliding at idle power with the yoke at full aft position
against the stop.  (Note: approach this slowly, not suddenly, to get the
right number and do the test up at altitude.)

 

In most Coupes, best final approach speed is somewhere around 1.3 times
minimum flying speed in perfect air and about 1.4 times minimum flying speed
in bumpier air.  DO CAREFUL TESTING YOURSELF TO ADJUST AND CHOOSE THE BEST
ACTUAL APPROACH AIRSPEEDS.

 

You'll want a final approach speed that gives you a good flare but not too
much float.  After the flare, I hold the plane level a yard or so high, in
ground effect, till I hit the up-elevator-stop.  At that point, it settles
down very softly.

 

For an even gentler touchdown (on a long enough runway), keep about 200 rpm
above idle.  This reduces the sink rate in low ground effect to the point
you usually get squeaker touchdowns.

 

Ed

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