The Landing
Big Idea
Landing is a controlled collision with the ground — the goal is to make it as gentle as possible.
Fun Fact
The perfect landing is called a "greaser" — so smooth that the passengers do not even know they are on the ground!
Challenge
Can you land without bouncing?
What You Will Learn
- Fly a stable approach (right speed, right descent rate)
- Look at the far end of the runway, not straight down
- Flare: pull back gently just before touchdown
- Keep the airplane straight with rudder during rollout
Simulator Steps
- On final approach at 65 knots, full flaps, runway in sight
- Aim for the numbers (the white marks at the start of the runway)
- As you get close to the ground, look at the far end of the runway
- Just before touchdown, gently pull back — this is the flare
- The wheels touch — keep it straight with rudder, brake gently
What You Learned
- A good landing starts with a stable approach
- Look at the far end of the runway, not straight down
- Flare = gentle pull back just before touchdown