Definition
A standardized set of cockpit verifications performed by the pilot during the approach to landing, confirming that the aircraft is configured and prepared to land safely. The checks are specified in the airplane's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and typically cover items such as fuel selector position, mixture, propeller setting, landing gear, flaps, seat belts, and landing light.
Plain English
A short list of items the pilot checks before landing to make sure the airplane is set up correctly and ready to touch down safely.
Context Anchor
In this slow flight context, the pilot may complete before-landing checks before entering the maneuver because slow flight often uses a setup similar to the one used for landing.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures critical items like landing gear extension and proper airspeed are not overlooked, reducing the risk of accidents during landing.
Intuition Check
Do not read before-landing checks as a casual glance around the cockpit. In aviation, it means using the aircraft’s checklist to confirm specific required items before landing or before a landing-like setup.
Example Sentence 1
Abeam the numbers on the downwind leg, the pilot completed the before-landing checks and reduced power to begin the descent.
Example Sentence 2
In slow flight training, the student was instructed to initiate before-landing checks prior to the power reduction for landing.