On 12/08/2014 2:27 PM, Graham Drinkell wrote:
Having recently landed a Pilatus B4 'wheels up, on a wet grass runway
(without any physical damage to the a/c!). I noted the extremely short
ground run!
Could this be a useful option- if you have selected a slightly small
field for an out-landing (ie- leave the u/c up?)
Another scenario, perhaps if you find the glider rolling along at high
speed towards an obstacle, then retract the u/c! Expensive, but maybe less
painful?



There is not much room or material between you and the ground if you
leave the gear up, it is an easy way to get hurt on a hidden rock etc.
The general consensus is that the best option is to always land gear
down, this will help absorb the impact and transfer the load to the
airframe rather than your body.

YMMV
Luke