What do pilots do during landing?

The Final Approach: A Pilot’s Perspective on Landing

Landing an aircraft is arguably the most demanding phase of flight. While the serene view from the passenger window might suggest a gentle descent, the cockpit is a hive of focused activity. Pilots aren’t just along for the ride; they’re actively managing a complex interplay of forces, technology, and communication to ensure a safe and smooth touchdown.

The descent begins well before the final approach. Pilots meticulously plan their descent path, considering factors like wind speed, direction, runway length, and surrounding terrain. They engage with air traffic control, receiving clearances and instructions for their approach. This constant communication is crucial, particularly in busy airspace, ensuring safe separation between aircraft.

As the aircraft descends, the airspeed reduces significantly. This lower speed decreases the effectiveness of control surfaces, making precise adjustments even more critical. The pilot in command, often referred to as the “flying pilot,” meticulously monitors flight instruments. The primary flight display (PFD) provides crucial information like airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, and heading. The navigation display (ND) shows the aircraft’s position relative to the runway and other aircraft.

Maintaining the correct approach speed, known as Vref, is paramount. Too slow, and the aircraft risks stalling; too fast, and the landing distance increases, potentially leading to a runway overrun. Pilots constantly adjust the throttle and flight controls to maintain this delicate balance.

Altitude management is equally crucial. Pilots follow a prescribed glide path, a precise descent angle towards the runway. They use the Instrument Landing System (ILS) or visual cues to maintain this glide path, ensuring they arrive at the correct touchdown point. Deviations from this path can lead to a missed approach or a potentially unsafe landing.

The final moments before touchdown are particularly intense. The flying pilot flares the aircraft just above the runway, raising the nose slightly to decrease the descent rate and ensure a smooth touchdown. The other pilot, the “monitoring pilot,” calls out critical altitudes and airspeeds, providing a crucial cross-check. Once the main landing gear makes contact, the flying pilot deploys spoilers and reverse thrust to slow the aircraft and bring it to a complete stop.

Even after the aircraft is safely on the ground, the pilot’s job isn’t done. They taxi the aircraft to the designated gate, communicating with ground control to navigate the complex network of taxiways.

Landing an aircraft is a testament to a pilot’s skill and experience. It’s a dynamic process that demands constant attention, precise control, and effective communication. While passengers enjoy the final moments of their journey, the pilots in the cockpit are focused on executing a complex procedure, ensuring a safe and uneventful arrival.