Landing safely begins long before the wheels touch down. From preflight planning to stabilized approaches, every phase contributes to consistent, confident landings. By focusing on weather, personal minimums, and proper approach briefing, pilots can make better in-flight decisions and avoid the urge to “force” a landing when conditions don’t align. Let’s learn more from MzeroA Live: Landing Tips.
Conducting a Thoughtful Approach Brief
Whether flying VFR for IFR, a structured approach briefing sets the tone for a safe landing. Pilots should adopt a threat-forward-mindset, identifying potential hazards and immediately pairing each one with a mitigation strategy.
For instance, if flying a multi-engine aircraft for the first time, a pilot might note the lack of familiarity as a risk and mitigate it by asking an instructor or experienced pilot for support. Clear communication turns potential threats into manageable factors.
A strong briefing also tells a story: where you are, where you’re going, and how you’ll get there. Reviewing expected runways, approaches, and missed procedures before arrival minimizes surprises and ensures readiness for any ATC instruction.
Planning for the Go-Around, Not the Landing
One of the most effective mindset shifts a pilot can make is to plan for a go-around first, not the landing. Every approach should begin with the assumption that a missed approach may be necessary. Only if all stabilization parameters are not met should the pilot continue to land.
This approach eliminates pressure and prevents “get-there-itis.” Pilots who brief for a go-around are mentally prepared for any deviation from plan, allowing for quicker, safer decisions when something feels off.
Understanding Stabilization Criteria
The concept of stabilized approaches, common in airline and corporate aviation, translates directly into general aviation safety. Stabilization gates are used to confirm that critical parameters are met at specific altitudes.
For example:
- At 1,000 feet AGL: the aircraft should be on speed (within +15 / -5 knots), configured for landing, checklist complete, and power stabilized above idle.
- At 500 feet AGL, tolerance narrows: within half a dot laterally and vertically, maintaining target airspeed, and fully configured.
If any parameter is not met such as speed, configuration, glidepath, or power, the pilot must execute a go-around. Briefing these gates ahead of time reinforces discipline and helps prevent rushed or unstable landings.
Turning Discipline into Habit
Applying airline-style discipline to general aviation creates consistency and confidence. By treating every approach as a potential missed approach and strictly adhering to stabilization criteria, pilots reduce risk and improve performance. Stabilized approaches aren’t about perfection; they’re about preparation, awareness, and having the courage to go around when conditions demand it.
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