Landing an aircraft is one of the most critical and challenging phases of a flight. Pilots must execute a complex series of maneuvers with precision, all while considering various factors such as weather conditions, aircraft type, and air traffic. However, even experienced pilots can make common mistakes during landings that, if not addressed, can compromise safety and passenger comfort. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most prevalent mistakes made during landings and provide insights into how to avoid them.
Failing to Establish a Stable Approach
A stable approach is the foundation of a successful landing. It involves maintaining specific parameters, such as airspeed, altitude, and descent rate, throughout the final approach phase. Failing to establish a stable approach can lead to a variety of landing issues, including excessive speed, altitude deviations, and increased workload for the pilot.
How to Avoid It:
- Plan ahead: Review the approach and landing procedures before each flight, including approach speeds and configuration settings.
- Monitor and cross-check: Continuously monitor airspeed, altitude, and descent rate to ensure they remain within specified limits.
- Go around if necessary: If the approach becomes unstable, be prepared to execute a go-around and make another attempt.
Misjudging the Flare
The flare is a crucial moment just before touchdown when the pilot raises the nose of the aircraft to reduce the descent rate. Misjudging the flare can result in either a hard landing or a balloon, where the aircraft climbs before landing.
How to Avoid It:
- Develop a consistent sight picture: Use visual cues on the runway, such as the runway threshold or aiming point, to maintain the appropriate pitch attitude during the flare.
- Practice flare techniques regularly: Frequent practice helps pilots develop a good sense of timing and control input for a smooth flare.
- Maintain a stable approach: A stable approach makes it easier to execute a successful flare.
Over Controlling During Roundout
The roundout phase occurs just after the flare when the pilot levels the aircraft above the runway. Overcontrolling during the roundout can result in abrupt pitch changes or erratic altitude fluctuations.
How to Avoid It:
- Use coordinated control inputs: Gentle and coordinated control inputs help maintain a smooth transition from the flare to the roundout.
- Anticipate altitude changes: Expect some changes in altitude during the roundout, but aim for a gentle and gradual leveling off above the runway.
Overcompensating for Crosswinds
Crosswinds are winds that blow across the runway, rather than directly down it. Overcompensating for crosswinds can lead to runway excursions, veering off the centerline, or unstable landings.
How to Avoid It:
- Use proper crosswind techniques: Crosswind landing techniques, such as crabbing or side-slipping, can help align the aircraft with the runway.
- Gradual control inputs: Make gradual and timely control inputs to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway, and avoid aggressive or excessive corrections.
Neglecting Ground Effect
Ground effect occurs when an aircraft is within one-half of its wingspan above the runway. Neglecting ground effect can lead to hard landings or floating above the runway, causing a delayed touchdown.
How to Avoid It:
- Be aware of ground effect characteristics: Understand how ground effect affects your specific aircraft type and size.
- Practice landing in ground effect: Frequent practice landings help pilots become proficient in using ground effect to their advantage.
Over-Reliance on Autopilot
While modern aircraft are equipped with advanced autopilot systems, over-reliance on autopilot during the landing phase can lead to complacency and reduced pilot proficiency.
How to Avoid It:
- Maintain manual skills: Regularly practice manual landings to keep your skills sharp.
- Use autopilot as a tool: Autopilot can assist, but it should not replace your active monitoring and control during landing.
Ignoring Wind Shear
Wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed and direction, which can be hazardous during landing. Ignoring wind shear can result in loss of control or hard landings.
How to Avoid It:
- Stay informed: Pay attention to weather reports and information provided by air traffic control regarding wind shear conditions.
- Be prepared: Maintain the skills to react to wind shear conditions and execute appropriate landing techniques.
Not Executing a Go-Around When Needed
The decision to go around is an essential part of safe landing procedures. Failing to execute a go-around when necessary can lead to unstable or unsafe landings.
How to Avoid It:
- Be prepared for a go-around: Be aware of the conditions that warrant a go-around, such as an unstable approach, poor visibility, or obstructions on the runway.
- Don't hesitate: If you decide a go-around is necessary, execute it promptly without hesitation.
Skipping the Checklist
Skipping the landing checklist or failing to complete it accurately can result in errors, such as landing gear malfunctions or configuration issues.
How to Avoid It:
- Follow the checklist: Adhere to the landing checklist diligently, and use it as a valuable tool to ensure that all critical items are properly configured and functioning.
Rushing the Landing
Feeling rushed during the landing phase can lead to mistakes in judgment and execution. It can also result in a high sink rate, ballooning, or unstable approaches.
How to Avoid It:
- Maintain a stable approach: Prioritize a stable approach to reduce the need for rushed decision-making during the landing phase.
- Use proper time management: Allow sufficient time to complete landing procedures and make decisions without feeling rushed.
