Descent Knot Threshold 
Pilot Institute
DECEMBER 31, 2024
The flaps on an aircraft are used for controlled descents with slower airspeed during the approach and landing. When landing without flaps, pilots must adjust their techniques to compensate for higher approach speeds, a shallow descent angle, and longer landing distances. What is the purpose of flaps? More aggressive energy management.
Pilot Institute
OCTOBER 16, 2024
Descent Point Nominate a descent point that will give you a constant 3° profile to the threshold. We can calculate the rate of descent required to achieve a 3° profile. Take your ground speed in knots and divide it by two. Add a zero to this number, and you have your target rate of descent.
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Pilot Institute
JULY 12, 2024
Key Takeaways Start by setting up your approach correctly to ensure you arrive at the threshold perfectly every time. Learn to use aircraft references to establish a stable descent rate and pitch, ending up in a smooth roundout and flare. You should arrive at the threshold on the centerline at the proper height and speed each time.
Pilot Institute
MAY 4, 2024
In the Cessna 172S Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), the landing distance decreases by 10% for every 9 knots of headwind. For the Cessna 172, landing distance increases by 10% for every 2 knots of tailwind. Any substantial changes to speed and descent rate will destabilize the landing. Choose an aiming point.
Pilot Institute
OCTOBER 13, 2024
Key Takeaways Bounced landings can result from excessive speed, improper flare, or high descent rates. Improper Flare Technique The flare is a maneuver where you elevate the aircraft’s nose slightly just before landing to decrease the descent rate. Use power as necessary to control the descent rate.
Pilot Institute
MARCH 26, 2024
On a normal landing, you’d pull the power over the threshold, begin your roundout, and flare around 10 feet AGL. When crossing the threshold, start reducing the power. High-wing aircraft might need more power or pitch to arrest the descent. Overcorrecting for a high descent rate will cause the aircraft to balloon.
Plane and Pilot
SEPTEMBER 15, 2024
The weather briefing we had reviewed a half hour earlier promised a 20-knot headwind that would require two fuel stops on the 130-mile trip from our home airport in Kennett, Missouri (KTKX), to Little Rock Air Force Base (KLRF) in Arkansas. As the sun began its descent, we began the final leg of what would end up being a four-hour trek.
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