Aiming Point
Big Idea
The point on the windshield that does not move is where you will land. If the numbers stay still, you will hit the numbers.
Fun Fact
Military pilots call this the "velocity vector" — it shows exactly where the airplane is going.
Challenge
Can you land within 200 feet of the numbers on a power-off approach?
What You Will Learn
- Identify the aiming point (the point that does not move in your view)
- If landing short: reduce flaps or raise nose slightly
- If landing long: add flaps or lower nose slightly
- Keep speed at 65 knots throughout
Simulator Steps
- On final, look at the runway numbers through the windshield
- Are the numbers moving UP in your view? You will overshoot — add more flaps
- Are the numbers moving DOWN? You will land short — reduce flaps or raise nose
- Numbers staying still? Perfect! You will land right on them
- Maintain 65 knots and adjust only with flaps and small pitch changes
What You Learned
- The point that does not move is where you will land
- Moving down = landing short, moving up = landing long
- Flaps control your descent rate