The Jacobson Flare 4+

Great technique, confusing explanation

As a student pilot, I’ve spent ~20+ hours learning to land. Before I switched CFIs and my new CFI taught me the Jacobson technique, I was completely perplexed by landings. Mine were inconsistent and sad, despite all the time I sunk into pattern work. Now now! This technique works guys.

My only criticism is that the app explains the technique (or at least, my understanding of it) in a confusing way. It really just boils down to picking a point on the runway, starting to flare/stare at the end when you pass that point (with rate of flare depending on plane) and profiting. I feel like the level of detail the app goes into about the math muddles the picture a little and makes it hard to grasp the key concepts. So, four stars.

Overall, thanks Mr. Jacobson for putting some science into flying!

Developer Response ,

Thank you, Marpha, yes, it does work.

And yes, at first, the detailed explanation can seem a little daunting. Back in 1985, I was trialling the practical aspects for 2 years, before I figured out the mathematical basis for what I was observing. So you can apply the technique at a very simplistic level. However, to obtain 100% consistency – and to calculate accurate positions for the aim and flare cut-off points, for your NEXT aircraft type, especially as a professional, flying large transport aircraft, a good understanding of the landing flare geometry is considered essential. You don't have to get bogged down in formulae; the calculators do the hard work for you.

Your comments indicate to me that you haven't yet fully understood the technique fully. I would encourage you to refresh your understanding of the entire technique.
I believe you would benefit from working slowly through the sub-sections in each Chapter, especially Chapter 5: The 4-second flare. This explains the basis of the universal flare rate, suggested as an integral component of the Jacobson Flare.

You are very welcome to email me, via the Contact Details page (3rd last page of the App), with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your feedback.

Captain David M Jacobson MAP FRAeS
Australia

A better way to land

Ask any student pilot, or experienced pilot what the most difficult phase of their pilot training was, and universally the answer will be "landings." Why is that? As in all things aviation, much of what is taught is based on how your instructor was taught.

So much of learning how to land was based on the Goldilocks method of teaching. "You flared too high," "you flared too low", "you flared just right." It was the trial-and-error approach; eventually you "got it!" Could there possibly be a better way? The Jacobson Flare is that "better way."

Instead of guessing at altitude, and having to correct that "estimate" for wide, narrow, or sloping runways, wouldn't you rather use a method that results in consistently good landings to any runway or field?

The traditional method that uses power to correct for altitude, and pitch for airspeed frequently results in an erratic flight path.

Instead, maintaining the correct "sight picture," following the optimum flight path, recognizing the correct "flare point" and properly transitioning from the approach to the landing aim point results in easier to teach, easier to learn, and repeatably good landings.

Whether you fly cloth covered, light, or heavy metal airplanes, Capt Jacobson has created a superb App, to help you master landings. With videos from a variety of cockpits, and easy to follow instructions, this App is one of the best tools any pilot could have in their flight bag. I highly recommend it.

Great contribution to aviation

This app is fantastic and very well thought out and presented. I am a regional airline pilot and use this technique all the time. Every level of aviation will benefit from this app. Captain Jacobson has really developed a masterpiece with this app, I have it on my iPad and phone. I find myself regularly re reading and absorbing the wealth of information contained within this app. Great work Sir

Take care

Developer Response ,

Thank you very much! (and apologies for not responding, earlier) Please feel free to contact me, anytime, via https://www.jacobsonflare.com/contact-captain-david-jacobson/ for any issudes or questions, or even just a discussion.