Table of Contents
How do pilots flare?
The FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook describes the flare as “a slow, smooth transition from a normal approach attitude to a landing attitude, gradually rounding out the flightpath to one that is parallel with, and within a very few inches of, the runway.” Applying back-pressure to the yoke slowly raises the airplane’s …
Do pilots or computers land planes?
While many airplanes can land by use of automation, the vast majority of landings are still done manually. Pilots are generally better at landing in more dynamic weather conditions than the automated system.
Do airline pilots always use autopilot?
A: No for takeoff. Many airliners can use the autopilot for landing, but most landings are done manually. A: Most of a flight is flown with the autopilot engaged. This allow the pilots to focus on other important tasks such as navigation, communication and systems operation.
When does the flare start during a landing?
Now the runway isn’t rising up to meet you so quickly, and you can focus on the next stage of the landing: the flare. In this school of thought, the flare begins when the aircraft’s nose rises above level.
What happens if a flare is too high on a plane?
The flare—that gradual pitch-up just prior to touchdown—slows the descent and allows the airplane to settle gently on the runway. Flare too high or too fast, and the aircraft drops abruptly; flare too low or not enough, and you’ll land hard or flat.
What happens when you flare the end of the runway?
As the nose rises, the end of the runway disappears from view. A pilot must shift his or her gaze from the end of the runway to a point ahead of the airplane, through the side of the windscreen—but not too close to the airplane, as objects will become blurred and the flare may be too abrupt or too late.
What is instrument approach in aviation?
This type of approach is also called the Instrument approach or ILS, the pilots have horizontal and vertical guidance to land the aircraft.