The Five Phases of Landing
Introduction
In this blog, we will be discussing the five phases of landing, a crucial aspect of flying that every pilot should master. By breaking down the landing process into these five distinct phases, you can better evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement. Whether you're a novice pilot or a seasoned aviator, understanding and practicing these phases will help you achieve smoother and more controlled landings. So, let's dive right in!
Phase 1: The Approach
The first phase of landing is the approach. During this phase, your goal is to achieve a stable approach by maintaining a constant airspeed and rate of descent. Ideally, you want to fly the approach with minimal power, allowing the aircraft to descend naturally. However, if needed, you can adjust the power to maintain stability.
One crucial aspect of the approach is identifying and focusing on an aiming point. As you approach the runway, look for a fixed point in your windscreen that appears stationary. This aiming point will serve as your reference for maintaining the proper glide path. By consistently using this reference, you can ensure a smooth and accurate approach.
To help you visualize this concept, imagine a small rectangle in your windscreen representing your aiming point. As you approach the runway, keep your eyes fixed on this spot. By practicing this technique, you'll train your eyes to identify the aiming point effortlessly, leading to more precise landings.
Phase 2: The Round Out
Once you reach a point approximately 100 feet in front of your aiming point, it's time to initiate the round out. During this phase, your focus shifts from the aiming point to the end of the runway. As the stripe in front of your aiming point starts to disappear, transition your vision down the runway and begin rounding out the airplane.
The round out involves gradually raising the nose of the aircraft, teasing the energy out of the wings, and preparing for the flare. By smoothly transitioning your vision and adjusting the pitch, you can achieve a smooth and controlled descent towards the runway surface.
Phase 3: The Flare
As you complete the round out, it's time for the flare. The flare is the critical moment where you "hold off" the aircraft from touching down on the runway. By carefully managing the energy in the wings, you aim to stall the main wing just as the main wheels make contact with the ground.
During the flare, it's essential to maintain a gentle and controlled back pressure on the controls, gradually reducing the aircraft's descent rate. This technique allows for a smoother touchdown and minimizes the risk of a hard landing. Remember, it's better to pull back too much than to let the aircraft touch down prematurely.
Phase 4: The Touchdown
Once you have successfully executed the flare, it's time for the touchdown. In this phase, your goal is to ensure that the aircraft lands over the centerline and aligned with the runway. While many pilots worry about hard landings, most rough landings actually result from a lack of alignment rather than excessive force.
To achieve a smooth touchdown, focus on aligning the longitudinal axis of the aircraft with the centerline of the runway. Ensure that you are over the centerline and maintain this alignment throughout the landing process. By practicing proper alignment, you can avoid the discomfort and potential damage caused by an off-center landing.
Phase 5: The Rollout
The final phase of landing is the rollout. During this phase, your focus shifts from the touchdown to taxiing the aircraft to its parking spot. As you gently lower the nosewheel to the ground, maintain back pressure on the controls to prevent the aircraft from rotating prematurely.
Throughout the rollout, be mindful of the effects of wind and keep the flight controls positioned accordingly. Ensure that your attention remains on the rollout, avoiding distractions from air traffic control until you have safely cleared the runway. Once clear, you can proceed with post-landing tasks such as communicating with air traffic control, completing the after-landing checklist, and taxiing to your designated parking spot.
Conclusion
Mastering the five phases of landing is key to achieving consistently smooth and controlled landings. By breaking down the landing process into these distinct phases – the approach, the round out, the flare, the touchdown, and the rollout – you can evaluate your performance more effectively and identify areas for improvement. Remember, a landing is not simply good or bad; it consists of these five essential components. By practicing and refining each phase, you can become a more skilled and confident pilot.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the five phases of landing. We hope that you found this blog informative and valuable.