P-51 Flying question?

[N3Njeff]

One of the posts in here mentioned a Mustang landing a rough field and almost going over. This brought on a question about current P-51 pilots. Most are seen landing the mustang as a wheel landing. What happened and for what reason are most pilots doing that then a 3-point???? Thought I know a few do and I thank them for it, its a real treat!!

[Trey Carroll]

I think Frank Strickler told me 3-Points loosened rivets or something in the tail, nothing major but its easier to prevent the work.

[frankspeaks]

And, these planes aren't flown that much......

Wheel landings are easier than three points when your a bit rusty

[mlenoch]

Civilian configured, light weight, non-armored, non-armament Mustangs are harder to 3 point. (The CG is much more forward as well as being lighter overall.) They do not settle down in 3 point and tend to float around in ground effect. Hard to make a precise touchdown especially in a cross wind. Easy to get one wing to stall before the other; this is not fun.

A heavy weight Mustang 3 points much easier.

Also, with a heavy passenger, the wheel landing is easier (slower landing speed) as the tail is lower. So do your pilot a favor & eat up!!

These are all fine points concerning landing speed and landing attitude.

[systemofadown1162]

And now for another stupid question from SOAD:
Whats a 3 point?

[TAdan]

And now for another stupid question from SOAD:
Whats a 3 point?

All three wheels (main and tail) touch the ground at the same time. As opposed to the main touching down, then the tail settling as the a/c slows.

[Swiss Mustangs]

typical wheel landing of a P-51



Martin

[srpatterson]

The wheel landing also gives you much better forward visibility during landing, as well as being much more positive in a cross wind. When the wind is really blowing (as it sometimes does in Reno) I follow an excellent piece of advice that I was given; "Just do your best Bob Hoover impersonation". Good advice.

The Sea Fury wing exceeds critical angle of attack before reaching the 3 point attitude, so wheel landings are definately preferred by most. In the 3 point she get's pretty sloppy and one wing invariably stalls first. Usually takes lots of brake to keep her going straight.

[leo]

Bob Love used to 3-point his mustang (actually Jack Hovey's) at Reno quite a bit. Have it on video several times, would have to look to see what wind conditions were like. Was always impressed when he did it at how short his run-out was, when it hit the runway it seemed to be finished flying, less chance of the wind lifting a wing (i.e. Georgia Mea in 1985)?
Does the 3 point give you less rudder authority in a crosswind than the wheel landing?

[B-29 Super Fort]

typical wheel landing of a P-51



Martin

I noticed this Mustang doesn't appear in the Warbirds Registry unless I missed it. I found it here:

http://www.mustangsmustangs.net/p-51/su ... 3279.shtml

[systemofadown1162]

typical wheel landing of a P-51



Martin

I noticed this Mustang doesn't appear in the Warbirds Registry unless I missed it. I found it here:

http://www.mustangsmustangs.net/p-51/su ... 3279.shtml

I just now noticed that also.
I just recently meet the guy who flew 'Sweet and Lovely' during the war.
He has several photos of the original and the restoration one, ill see if I can get them for the WRG.

[Tim Adams]

typical wheel landing of a P-51



Martin

Hey, thanks for pulling a photo off my website. Next time please ask though!!

[Swiss Mustangs]

@ Tim: PM sent