Definition
The set of steps a pilot follows to bring an aircraft from the approach phase down to a safe touchdown on the runway, including configuring the aircraft, managing airspeed and descent rate, maintaining the correct glidepath, and judging the flare and touchdown point.
Plain English
The actions a pilot takes to fly the aircraft from final approach down to touching the wheels on the runway safely.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of approach and landing, especially when visual illusions can make the runway or descent path look misleading.
Derivation
Landing comes from land, meaning to come down onto the ground. Procedure comes from a Latin word meaning to go forward or proceed. Together, the phrase points to a planned sequence of actions for getting the aircraft safely onto the runway.
Why Pilots Care
Correct landing procedures reduce the chance of runway mishaps caused by misjudged height or distance.
Intuition Check
Do not think of landing procedures as just the moment the wheels touch the runway. They are the whole planned sequence that leads to a safe touchdown and safe slowing after touchdown.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor reviewed landing procedures with the student before their first flight into a sloped, narrow runway.
Example Sentence 2
Reviewing landing procedures before a night approach helped the pilot avoid the tendency to descend too early over unlit terrain.