Doesn’t work on iPad iOS 18.5
I believe Mr. Jacobson‘s concepts are sound, the criticism here is that the app simply does not function as indicated. You’re buying the PDF for $40 and not the calculator which the PDF goes into great detail, describing how to operate.
This isn’t an app, it’s a pdf.
Great contribution to aviation
Take care
Response from developer
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.
Rubbish
Response from developer
Hello Steve, First, I apologise for not seeing your review, earlier. Second, I'm sorry you haven't been happy with the app. However, I beg to differ: The Jacobson Flare is the MOST PRACTICAL AND CONSISTENT approach and landing training technique yet devised and I am perfectly willing to spend some time with you: email/telephone/Skype/Whatsapp, etc, to contribute to your understanding. Third, there is no hurry to get involved in any calculations: In the beginning, I didn't understand the maths, either! The key things to understand are the 5 questions that a pilot must understand, to land any fixed-wing aeroplane consistently well and in the right position on the runway: 1. Where to aim in the first place; 2. How to aim; 3. When to flare; 4. How much to flare; and 5. How fast to flare; i.e., the flare rate. I know of very few instructors and not one manual that defines and explains, sensibly, (with mathematical proof), even one of those questions. The Jacobson Flare app defines all 5. Then think of a slender right-angled triangle: the pilot's eye path down final approach is along the hypotenuse (the longest side). Conventionally, we based the so-called 'flare height' on the height of the opposite (vertical) side of that triangle. Now, not only does this height vary for every different aeroplane type, but that dimension is invisible to the pilot. It is, at best, an educated guess, based on judgment, repetition, experience and a wide number of varying factors, involving the pilot, the aircraft and the environmental conditions. No mean feat. In addition, this 'approach profile' triangle is usually drawn in books and on whiteboards, etc, at about 25-30 degrees; the actual angle is just 3 degrees: the significance of this is that any error made in assessing the correct 'flare height' compounds x 20 times, one way or the other, ALONG the runway, causing either a short touchdown or an extended one. That's a huge error. Before the Jacobson Flare, no one looked at the third side of the triangle. It's the runway centreline and, on sealed runways, is a calibrated ruler (with its centreline markings). When an aeroplane is approaching the runway, and the pilot's aim point, the forward edge of the glare shield (where it intercepts the base of the windshield) is advancing (with the aircraft) along the runway centreline and when the aeroplane reaches the correct flare height, there will be a certain point on the centreline about to pass beneath that point of the aircraft. (By ignoring any visible nose cowling, some useful consistencies can be shared with light twins, sailplanes and jets, where, in most cases, nothing of the aircraft, (forward of the windscreen), is visible. This is a simple visual fix. (If the idea seems slightly familiar, it may be because my inspiration – back in 1965, as a student pilot – was the 1943 RAF 617 Sqn 'Dambusters' operation.) By defining an initial aim point 1 and a flare cut-off point, and then another aim point 2 (usually at the far, upwind threshold, the entire landing flare manoeuvre can be defined and flown, accurately, consistently and without any guesswork. Moreover, the aim point 1 and the flare cut-off point have only to be calculated once (for each different aircraft type/size. For a typical light aircraft, these points are about 100ft apart). Once mastered, the Jacobson Flare can be applied to any subsequent aircraft type, by calculating and possibly re-positioning the aim point 1 and/or the flare cut-off point. I invite you to review the following link, https://www.jacobsonflare.com/testimonials/ and also, please contact me, at david.jacobson@jacobsonflare.com . I know I can help your understanding of this, as I have countless others, over 30 years. Just explain the difficulties you have experienced and I will be very pleased to help. Yours sincerely, Captain David M Jacobson MAP FRAeS Australia
The BEST way to perfect landings every time!
Even the Australian authority, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, in their flight instructor manual describes landing in ways that is nothing more than trial and error, no technique is discussed.
This app addresses it! This app discusses it in pictures and some fantastic videos, and if you really want to get into the nuts and bolts you can deep dive into the calculators and the incredible treatise, where there is even more explanation for you
This will save aviation, that’s a big call but true.
I would recommend this app to every single pilot in the world regardless of what aircraft they fly!
Captain Jacobson has landed us all a great app, thank you.
You’ve nailed this one!
Videos don’t work in app
Not working
Response from developer
Hi Sue, The issue was resolved when Apple released their iOS13.3.1, update recently. However, we have also released the Jacobson Flare version 2.0 for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. This version has been extensively revised, with new content and our new platform provider will prevent the iOS update issue from re-occurring. We invite you to update and enjoy version 2.0. Any questions: just email info@jacobsonflare.com
Does not support newest iOS
Response from developer
Hi KP72RN, Please accept our sincere apologies for the issues you encountered. They were resolved by Apple's iOS 13.3.1 update. We have also changed app platform software providers and this issue should not occur again. Our version 2.0 has just been released, for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. We hope you'll download the update and enjoy the unassailable benefits of using the Jacobson Flare.
Great technique, confusing explanation
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!
Response from developer
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
Excellent
Response from developer
Thank you, Maria, Yes, the landing has been variously described by pilots: some see it solely as an art; others certainly do see it as a science. We see the landing as a SKILL: one that can be explained, factually and with logical, unassailable proof. The Jacobson Flare provides a visible framework that enables pilots to confirm what they have been trying to do, for decades, only with an educated guess, judgement, repetition and experiences, none of which can be taught.
Great support
His approach makes sense and I look forward to practicing it.
Response from developer
GREAT NEWS: The Jacobson Flare App Ver 2 for iOS 11 UP and RUNNING! You may be aware of the update already, via the App Store: The new version was released overnight – AEST. However, I wished to thank you, personally, for your wonderful support in bringing this issue to our notice. We’re sorry it took longer than expected to correct, but the results are very satisfying. Apart from iOS 11, we have corrected several minor editorial issues and made some meaningful updates to the following sections: • Copyright • Help • The Objectives; • Conventional Practice; • Introducing the Jacobson Flare; • References; • Acknowledgments; • Contact Details and • Author Biography I trust you continue to enjoy and benefit from the Jacobson Flare App and am available at any time to address any queries or concerns. Thank you once again for your support and patience; it is most appreciated and I apologise for any inconvenience! David Jacobson
Finally! Real Answers and No Mumbo-Jumbo about Flaring an Airplane
A better way to land
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.
Captain GG
Anybody pilot who wonders why they, "are not just getting it right" need this app. Full of fabulous detail, The Jacobson Flare App will improve any pilots approaches and landings - and you will know the exact reason why!!
Incredibly good value! Best app I have ever purchased - by far!!
Signed,
A 23,000 hour heavy jet Captain.
