Descent Drag Final Approach 
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. Flatter approach angle (due to less drag).
Pilot's Life Blog
JANUARY 5, 2025
Approach speeds typically range from 80 to 90 knots depending on weight and flap settings, while full flaps are often used to provide the necessary lift during landing. The aircrafts landing gear is retractable, which must be extended during the final approach. Additionally, configure the aircraft for a stable descent.
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Flight Training Central
MAY 13, 2025
Apply carb heat if applicable, establish a descent airspeed (defer setting flaps until the base leg). Reduce your power, and set flaps to full to establish a maximum descent rate. Apply carb heat if applicable, reduce your power, set the flaps to their first setting, and establish your descent airspeed of 1.4
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 2, 2024
When the aircraft is in a high-drag configuration, a stall at a low altitude can be quite dangerous. On final approach, it can be the difference between recovering and crashing. Initiating a Power-off Stall Now, let’s dive into the stall: Reduce Power Simulate Approach Descent Watch for Stall Warnings 1.
Pilot's Life Blog
JUNE 18, 2025
A power-off 180 is a critical maneuver that simulates an engine failure on final approach, requiring pilots to glide the aircraft and execute a precise 180-degree turn to a safe landing spot. Adjusting Bank Angle and Descent Rate: Control your descent by adjusting your bank angle and pitch.
Pilot Institute
FEBRUARY 15, 2025
Detecting them is difficult, which makes final approach and landing especially dangerous. In seconds, an aircraft can be forced into an uncontrollable descent, leaving you with barely any time to react. If you dont act immediately, you could be forced into an uncontrollable descent before you even reach the runway.
Plane and Pilot
JULY 1, 2025
The student turned early onto the base leg of the airport traffic pattern, then turned onto final approach, resulting in the airplane being high and fast. Probable cause(s): The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper glidepath during final approach, which resulted in a collision with the approach lights short of the runway.
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