Flare (Aviation Operations)

The flare is one of the most vital maneuvers in aviation, performed in the final moments before an aircraft touches down on the runway. Mastering the flare ensures a smooth transition from flight to ground roll, protects the aircraft structure, and plays a central role in safe landings. This comprehensive guide explores the definition, purpose, procedures, aerodynamics, variations, training, and common pitfalls of the flare across different aircraft types.

What Is the Flare in Aviation?

The flare (also called the roundout or level-off) is the maneuver where the pilot gradually raises the aircraft’s nose just before landing, transitioning from a steady approach descent to a near-level attitude a few feet above the runway. This crucial act reduces the vertical descent rate, allowing the aircraft to settle gently onto its landing gear.

According to the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook and ICAO Doc 4444, the flare is essential for safe, controlled landings and prevents hard, nosewheel-first, or bounced touchdowns that can damage aircraft and threaten safety.

Key Steps in the Flare

1. Final Approach: The aircraft descends on a stabilized glidepath at the recommended approach speed (usually 1.3 times V_S0 for light aircraft, V_APP for jets).
2. Flare Initiation: At 10–20 feet AGL for small planes or 30–50 feet AGL for jets, the pilot applies gentle back pressure, raising the nose to arrest descent.
3. Hold-Off: The aircraft “floats” just above the runway as airspeed and lift decrease.
4. Touchdown: Main wheels make contact first, with the nosewheel gently lowered as speed decays.
5. Roll-Out: The aircraft transitions to ground roll, using aerodynamic braking as needed.

Visual and Tactile Cues

• Visual: Runway edges rapidly expand in peripheral vision; the aiming point moves down the windshield.
• Tactile: Reduced “sink” sensation as ground effect increases.
• Procedural: Radio altimeter callouts (in jets) or developed timing (in GA) guide the initiation.

Purpose and Importance of the Flare

A properly executed flare accomplishes several critical objectives:

• Reduces Sink Rate: Arrests vertical descent for a gentle, controlled touchdown.
• Protects Aircraft: Minimizes stress on landing gear and airframe, reducing risk of structural damage.
• Utilizes Ground Effect: Takes advantage of increased lift and reduced drag close to the runway, minimizing impact.
• Enables Aerodynamic Braking: Maintains nose-high attitude for effective deceleration.
• Improves Ground Handling: Ensures stable transition from flight to roll-out, supporting directional control.

Improper flares are a leading cause of landing incidents, including hard landings, runway excursions, nosewheel-first touchdowns, porpoising, and gear damage.

Aerodynamics of the Flare

Lift, Angle of Attack, and Ground Effect

• Increasing Angle of Attack: Raising the nose increases the angle of attack, temporarily boosting lift and reducing descent rate.
• Airspeed Decay: As speed drops, lift decreases; the aircraft ultimately settles onto the runway.
• Ground Effect: Within about one wingspan of the surface, induced drag drops and lift rises, causing the aircraft to “float” if not properly managed.
• Stall Margin: The flare is performed just above stall speed—timing is crucial to avoid premature stall or hard landing.

Pitch and Touchdown

• Tricycle Gear: Main wheels touch first; nosewheel remains off until speed decays.
• Tailwheel: Aim for a three-point landing (all wheels simultaneously) or main wheels first, depending on aircraft and conditions.

Power Management

• Light Aircraft: Throttle usually at idle during flare, but a touch of power may be held in gusty or short-field conditions.
• Jets: Thrust levers retarded to idle during the flare, typically at a radio altimeter callout (e.g., “20” or “10” feet).

Flare Techniques and Variations

Standard Level-Off and Hold-Off

• Two-Phase Flare: Roundout (transition to level flight), then hold-off (maintain nose-high attitude until touchdown).
• Common in GA Training: Gives time to fine-tune descent and avoid bouncing.

Continuous Flare

• Smooth, Single Motion: Used in many jets, where timing is tight and aircraft inertia is high.

Jacobson Flare

• Visual Reference Technique: Flare begins when a specific runway point aligns with a fixed windscreen reference, standardizing flare timing.

Tau (τ) and Theta-dot (θ̇) Techniques

• Advanced, Quantitative Methods: Use time-to-contact or visual rate-of-change cues to optimize flare, often in airline or simulator training.

Flare Across Aircraft Types

General Aviation (Light Aircraft)

• Initiation Height: 10–20 feet AGL.
• Sensitive to Speed and Pitch: Excessive approach speed causes floating; improper pitch can lead to ballooning or bouncing.
• Visual Cues: Primary guide for flare timing.

Jet Transports

• Initiation Height: 30–50 feet AGL.
• Radio Altimeter Callouts: “50, 40, 30, 20, 10” feet provide precise cues.
• Smooth, Graduated Pitch: Typically a 2–3 degree nose-up move, coordinated with thrust to idle.
• Aerodynamic Braking: Nose held high after main gear touchdown.

Key Differences

• Landing Gear: Jets have robust main gear but sensitive nose gear—main gear touchdown is critical.
• Inertia and Power Response: Jets require earlier, more precise flare and power changes.
• Automation: Many airliners have autoland capability, automating the flare and touchdown.

Training and Practice

1. Sight Picture Exercises: Practice low approaches to develop the “sight picture” for proper flare attitude and altitude. 2. Flare Timing Drills: Varying initiation heights to understand effects (floating, ballooning, hard landings). 3. Power-Off vs. Power-On Landings: To experience how throttle affects flare and float distance. 4. Go-Arounds: Drills to safely abort landings from the flare when unstable. 5. Simulator Sessions: Replicate flares in diverse conditions—crosswinds, short fields, system failures.

Common Flare Errors and Corrections

Expanded Glossary

Practical Examples

Cessna 172: Approach at 65 knots, flare at ~10 feet AGL, gentle back pressure, maintain nose up, main wheels touch first, nosewheel lowered as speed drops.

Airbus A320: Approach at V_APP, flare at “30” foot callout, smooth 2–3° pitch-up, thrust to idle at “20–10” feet, main gear touchdown, nose high for aerodynamic braking.

References

• FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C)
• ICAO Doc 4444 (PANS-ATM)
• Airbus and Boeing FCOMs
• Transport Canada Flight Training Manual

Summary

The flare is a vital and nuanced landing maneuver. Mastery requires understanding aerodynamics, visual cues, and the specific requirements of each aircraft type. Proper execution ensures smooth landings, protects the aircraft, and upholds the highest standards of aviation safety.

For more on landing techniques, check our Aviation Training or Contact Us for expert resources.