landingsprocedures

Landingsprocedures describe the structured sequence of actions used by pilots and air traffic controllers to safely bring an aircraft from cruising flight to a stop on a runway. They encompass planning, execution, and post-landing activities and are shaped by aircraft type, airport layout, weather, and operator procedures. Standards for these procedures are established by international and national aviation authorities, such as ICAO, FAA, and EASA, and are published in approach charts and airport procedures.

In aviation, landing procedures typically begin with approach planning, including selecting an instrument or visual approach, calculating fuel, weight, and wind, and obtaining ATC clearance. The approach itself is divided into segments: initial, intermediate, and final approach, with a stabilized approach often defined as being on correct flight path at a certain altitude and configured for landing.

Guidance and navigation for approaches come from systems such as the instrument landing system (ILS), VOR or NDB approaches, and modern RNAV/GPS procedures. Pilots and ATC use approach plates that specify minimums, altitudes, and missed-approach instructions. The decision altitude or decision height is the point at which a decision must be made to land or go around if the required runway environment is not in sight.

During the final approach, the aircraft is configured for landing, speed is controlled, and vertical and lateral guidance is maintained. The flare and touchdown mark the transition from flight to ground roll, followed by braking, spoilers use, and sometimes reverse thrust. Missed approach procedures provide a defined path to climb away from the runway when landing cannot be completed safely.

Ongoing training and adherence to standard operating procedures ensure consistency and safety across operators, airports, and airspace.