Hops are easy. They're a momentary separation of the tires from the runway surface in which they only rise a few inches. The pilot's proper reaction to a hop is to ignore it. Hold full back elevator and idle power, let the tires settle back to the runway surface, and hope your passengers don't notice. If they do, a nonchalant shrug is enough to let them know a hop is no big deal— you've got this situation fully under control. Skips are more pronounced, and they require pilot action. When the tires rise more than a foot or so off the runway, the pilot's reaction should be to add enough power to cushion their imminent return to the surface. A short burst of partial power is all it takes to stabilize the airplane in ground effect, then set the tires down gently. The timely addition of power, typically for no more than a few seconds, buys the pilot enough time to soften the touchdown and minimize impact. The pilot won't necessary collect accolades, but the quick burst of power prevents the airplane from plopping down gracelessly.
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