The landing flare of large transport aircraft

Abstract

Summary. The factors are considered which influence the landing flare, especially of large aircraft. The height required for the flare is a function of the performance and the dynamic response characteristics of an aircraft but, in practice, limitations of pilots\\' judgement may make it more difficult, especially on large aircraft, to realise fully the theoretically available flare capability and, also, the desired precision in control over touchdown. These limitations may increase the required weather minima and also the margins in runway-length to accommodate the increased scatter of touchdown, unless aids are provided to assist the pilot in more positive touchdown control. Recovery from disturbances due to gusts during the landing flare is also shown to become marginal for the larger aircraft with more sluggish elevator response. Manoeuvre boost offers scope for significant improvement but for the very large aircraft direct lift control appears the most promising technique capable of overcoming this and other problems raised in this Report.