Drag Lift Threshold 
Pilot Institute
MARCH 28, 2025
This is called lift. Wingtip vortices are a byproduct of lift. Once the wing stops producing lift, the vortices dissipate instantly. Wing spoilers drastically reduce the lift generated by the wing. Its important because the lift is always produced perpendicular to the relative wind. Why is this important?
Pilot Institute
DECEMBER 31, 2024
Flatter approach angle (due to less drag). Lift and Drag Modifications A no-flaps landing significantly reduces drag and lift, which is why the approach is flown at a higher speed. In such a situation, you need to maintain lift by adjusting the angle of attack and airspeed, which requires precise control.
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Air Facts
MAY 14, 2025
As he lifted off from a touch-and-go, I shook the control stick and said, Ive got the jet. The G-loading and added drag slowed us below the gear limit speed (240 KIAS). The final turn in the T-38 is a nose-low, 180-degree turn designed to arrive on final one mile from the threshold at 500 feet AGL. I have 230 gallons times 6.5
Flying Magazine
JULY 3, 2025
We are on short final, about to cross the field threshold, and I am 25 knots above my targeted landing speed (VREF). Full flaps are mostly about drag, not lift. I progressively call for flaps, ensuring with each flap change I can still make the runway. I saved the final flap position for this scenario.
Plane and Pilot
JULY 1, 2025
A witness reported that they saw the airplane lift off from the runway and remain in ground effect until it crossed the departure end of the runway. The pilot was distracted, and flew too low, striking several approach lights short of the runway threshold. He had no further memory of the event.
Pilot Institute
MARCH 26, 2024
However, the increased drag might make it impossible to take off again. 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. This does two things: it keeps the load on the wings and increases drag.
Pilot Institute
MAY 4, 2024
If it prevents you from landing close to the threshold, a short runway becomes even shorter. Full flaps are generally used since they lower approach speed and increase drag. The drag allows for a steeper descent, which is particularly helpful when avoiding obstacles. Reducing lift puts more weight on the wheels.
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