← All explained questions · Supplemental · IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
On a short-field landing, after touchdown the pilot should
Choices
retract flaps immediately to put weight on the wheels and apply maximum braking.
Retracting flaps unconditionally is wrong — POH governs.
✓ leave full flaps extended for maximum drag.correct
retracting flaps depends on the POH; some airplanes specify retraction for weight transfer; brake firmly while maintaining directional control. Short-field landing post-touchdown: maximum braking with maintained directional control. POH dictates flap retraction — many trainers say retract immediately to transfer weight to the wheels, but always follow your specific POH. Holding back-elevator to keep weight off the nosewheel during heavy braking is also standard.
apply only nose-wheel braking.
Nosewheel-only braking is ineffective and risks shimmy/damage.
raise the elevator fully aft to lift off again.
Elevator full-aft for a touch-and-go, not a short-field landing.
Why
retracting flaps depends on the POH; some airplanes specify retraction for weight transfer; brake firmly while maintaining directional control. Short-field landing post-touchdown: maximum braking with maintained directional control. POH dictates flap retraction — many trainers say retract immediately to transfer weight to the wheels, but always follow your specific POH. Holding back-elevator to keep weight off the nosewheel during heavy braking is also standard.
FAA source: AFH Ch 9, POH; AFH Chapter 9 — Approaches and Landingsbrowse the reference library →
Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.