B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Aircraft; Equipment / Tooling; Human Factors
Captain on OE was flying and was doing a practice CAT III approach; flaps 40; somewhat gusty quartering left crosswind within CAT III limits.  Approach was flown very well and landing flare started normally.  In post discussion; Captain admitted some distraction with the HUD guidance and that; coupled with the crosswind; flaps 40; and possible reduction in power by the auto throttles; resulted in a firm touchdown followed by the nose coming down firmly as well.  Having experienced a fair amount of firm touchdowns during OEs and line flying; this one did not seem out of the range of normal although the nose did come down fairly quickly which I could not stop.  The company recommended filing this ASAP.I always remind new Captains on the 737 to adjust the HUD lighting to the minimum they need to avoid their eyes locking on the HUD and not seeing through the HUD for landing.  I also remind them to avoid early power reductions either by their own hand or by the auto throttles when landing flaps 40.  I will continue doing that.
Company indicated a hard landing in ZZZ.The landing was firm but did not appear to be a hard landing. The approach was a practice CAT III during IOE. I was distracted by the HUD display during the touchdown and was slow to initiate the flare.
A B-737 flight crew was reported by company as having had a hard landing. The Captain under instruction reported being distracted by the HUD display.