What is landing also called?

What is Landing Also Called?

The final stage of any flight, be it avian, aeronautical, or even interplanetary, requires a controlled descent and contact with a surface. While “landing” is the universally understood term for this maneuver, the specific vocabulary used can shift depending on the context, particularly the type of vehicle and the landing surface. Let’s explore some of the alternative terms used to describe this crucial phase of flight.

General Terminology:

• Landing: This is the broadest and most common term, encompassing any controlled descent and touchdown. It applies equally to a robin perching on a branch, a plane touching down on a runway, or a spacecraft settling on the lunar surface.

Specific Terminology based on Vehicle:

• Alighting: This term is more commonly used for birds and insects settling on a perch or the ground. It evokes a sense of lightness and delicacy, fitting for these creatures. While you could say a plane landed, saying a butterfly alighted on a flower carries a more nuanced and accurate descriptive quality.

Specific Terminology based on Landing Surface:

• Splashdown: This term specifically refers to landing on water. It is commonly associated with spacecraft returning from orbit or seaplanes touching down on a lake or ocean. The imagery conjured by “splashdown” perfectly captures the impact and spray associated with this type of landing.
• Ditching: While technically a landing on water, “ditching” carries a negative connotation. It refers to an emergency landing on water, often due to mechanical failure. It implies an uncontrolled or undesirable situation, unlike the planned precision of a splashdown.

Other, Less Common Terms:

While less frequent, other terms might be used in specific contexts:

• Touchdown: Often used interchangeably with landing, particularly in aviation. It emphasizes the moment of contact with the landing surface.
• Set Down: Similar to touchdown, emphasizing a gentle and controlled landing.

Therefore, while “landing” is the most common and versatile term, using more specific vocabulary like alighting, splashdown, or ditching can add precision and descriptive richness to your language, painting a clearer picture of the final moments of flight.