I was told to carry no power into over the numbers and than just apply power to stop sink rate just at the flare. I know there are many ways to land and take off but whats the best for a newbe
Hi Larry.
I'm not an instructor, and I have never landed a -9, but IMHO a power off approach with a planned shot of power in the flare is poor technique.
As a newbie, it's easier to learn it right from the beginning, rather than fix it later.
Most airplanes, especially ones that are highly wing-loaded and/or have constant speed props, are easier to land if you carry a touch of power all the way into the flare and gradually reduce power to idle as you flare. It allows a flatter approach and makes timing of the flare less critical for a smooth touchdown. It also
greatly increases your runway requirements, although for RVs that's really not an issue at most airports.
Most people approach and land multi-engine planes with some power, and a lot of people land heavier singles (e.g. bonanzas) this way. It's easier when transitioning to a new type, and easier to make a smooth touchdown.
This is a reasonable approach to transitioning into an RV with a CS prop, as long as you have plenty of runway and avoid getting sloppy and touching down too fast. As you gain experience in the airplane however, I would make most approaches power off.
You can add power if you misjudge, but hopefully these corrections will be infrequent and small. You shouldn't add power on every landing, as that keeps you from learning how to fly and land properly.
In RVs with a FP prop, carrying power on the approach can make the airplane very difficult to land, as they don't slow down easily. Carrying 5-10 knots too much approach speed and a touch of power might make the difference between a good landing and a forced go-around, even on a reasonable length runway.
Good transition training should make all this a non-event, but I would get at least one more (CFI) opinion on the use of power in the flare.
HTH
James Freeman