If making a landing with nose gear retracted, when should the brakes be applied?

When landing with the nose gear retracted, applying the brakes only after the nose has made contact with the runway is critical for several reasons. This approach allows for better control of the aircraft during landing, particularly when the aircraft is not in a typical landing configuration.

When the nose gear is not extended, the aircraft's center of gravity and aerodynamics change significantly. Applying brakes too early can cause the aircraft to pitch forward uncontrollably, leading to potential damage or loss of control. By waiting until the nose makes contact with the runway, the pilot ensures that the main landing gear is able to bear the load and the aircraft has stabilized in its landing attitude, providing a safer landing scenario.

Additionally, this method helps in channeling the forces of deceleration through the main landing gear first, rather than subjecting the front of the aircraft to abrupt braking forces that could result in further complications. Thus, waiting until the nose gear touches down maximizes safety and stability during the landing procedure.