can be broken down into 5 phases: ![[AFH aiming vs touchdown point 1.png]] ### Approach - A [[Stabilized Approach]] sets the pilot up for a completed roundout over the desired aiming point ### Roundout - Transition from a descent, to level flight just above the runway (6-12 inches) - The aiming point is where the aircraft would fly into the runway if the stabilized approach was continued all the way to the surface; the roundout must begin before, and should be complete as the aircraft flies over the aiming point - Pilots can use several visual cues to judge when to begin the roundout: rapid horizontal expansion of the runway environment, and the end of the runway appearing to rapidly move up towards the horizon ### Flare - Level flight just above the runway, allowing the aircraft to decelerate to the correct touchdown speed and pitch attitude - The "correct touchdown speed and pitch attitude" vary greatly between different aircraft: many gliders should touch down at a relatively level pitch attitude, and require a shorter flare; while many airplanes require a higher pitch attitude and correspondingly longer flare - Pilots should shift their gaze to the end of the runway, and continue to use the same visual cues (runway expansion and apparent movement of the end of the runway upwards) as the aircraft descends the final few inches onto the runway ### Touchdown - The aircraft touches down at the correct speed and pitch attitude ### Rollout - The aircraft continues to dissipate remaining energy (speed), continues to transfer the weight from the wings to the landing gear, and comes to a stop or safe taxi speed - The pilot must continue to "fly" the aircraft, adjusting flight controls to maintain the correct pitch attitude and any crosswind corrections, along with rudder for directional control ### Crosswinds - Throughout the entire landing process, the pilot must compensate for the effects of wind - There are 2 possible techniques for landing in a crosswind: [[Slips to Landing#Sideslip]], and [[Slips to Landing#"Crab and kick" method]] ### Common Errors - Improper glidepath control - Improper use of lift/drag devices - Improper airspeed control - Unstable approach - Improper crosswind correction - Improper touchdown procedure - Loss of directional control after landing - Improper use of brakes after landing ### Completion Standards - Initial attempts: performs the task with instructor assistance - Solo: performs a stabilized approach, lands at the correct pitch attitude, over and aligned with centerline, maintains directional control, and touches down in the first 1/3 of the designated landing area - Sport/Private Pilot: maintains recommended approach speed +10/-5kts, touches down in the designated landing area, at the correct pitch attitude, over and aligned with centerline, maintains directional control, and comes to a stop short of and within 200ft of a designated point without the use of excessive braking - Commercial Pilot: maintains recommended approach speed ±5kts, touches down in the designated landing area, at the correct pitch attitude, over and aligned with centerline, maintains directional control, and comes to a stop short of and within 100ft of a designated point without the use of excessive braking