Why Do Pilots Land Aircraft With the Nose Pointed Up?
The final approach and landing of an aircraft is a complex process, requiring pilots to carefully control speed, orientation, engine power, and other flight characteristics for safety and efficiency. Depending on the type of aircraft one is flying, the various equipment present on the vehicle, and the specifics of the airport that one is landing at, the particular procedure of landing one undertakes may differ. While observing aircraft as they land, one may notice that a large number of them land while pointing their nose at an inclination. This is due to the way in which aircraft conduct their landings, and this blog will help you to better understand why planes land on rear wheels with their nose angled upward.
Due to the general design of aircraft and the method of which they create lift and speed, it is important that pilots properly manage such conditions during the landing process to ensure a safe stop with low gear impact and wear. During the standard approach, pilots will often conduct what is known as a round out to smoothly transition from the approach altitude to the landing altitude. At this time, the aircraft angle of attack needs to be more parallel with the runway.
To conduct the round out, the pilot will slowly increase back- elevator pressure to increase the aircraft’s angle of attack and pitch altitude. As the pilot does this, the aircraft nose will raise in the air until the intended landing attitude is reached. While being parallel with the runway ensures a more even, controlled landing, it also allows for the aircraft to continue losing altitude while simultaneously decreasing forward speed. Increasing the angle to attack creates more lift, but this is deterred by the lowering of engine speed that directly leads to a decreased forward airspeed. With the combination of forward airspeed loss and increased lift as the aircraft nose angles upward, the aircraft will touch down on the runway in a gentle manner.
With a more controlled, soft landing, aircraft landing gear will face less wear and tear, increasing the service life and reliability of various equipment. As such, it is very common for many pilots to carry out the round out process for the benefits it brings. Generally, the time at which the round out will be executed will vary based on the height of an aircraft above the runway, the rate of descent, and current pitch attitude. As a rule of thumb, the higher the flare is started, the slower the round out will be executed. It is also important to match the increase of pitch attitude with the rate of overall descent for the round out to be carried out with ease.
Even with proper landing procedures and safe operations, an airplane’s landing system and landing gear will still face wear and tear that necessitates regular maintenance and inspections. It is important to utilize a trustworthy maintenance facility when it is time for inspections, ensuring that all your assemblies remain airworthy with high integrity. If you have aging or defective parts and require various items to carry out replacements, look no further than NSN Purchasing.
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