Touchdown

Touchdown is the moment at which the aircraft’s wheels (or floats, for a seaplane) make initial contact with the runway or water surface during landing. A successful touchdown is the result of an accurate approach, proper flare, and precise airspeed control.

Touchdown Technique

The flare is initiated at a height appropriate to the aircraft type (typically 10–20 ft for light aircraft) — the pilot smoothly reduces descent rate by increasing pitch attitude. The objective is a smooth touchdown on the mains (and in some aircraft, simultaneously), at minimum airspeed, on the centreline.

Related Terms

See also: Landing Roll, Threshold, Touchdown Zone.