Being too high on final is one of the most common and most uncomfortable situations pilots face during landing. It can sneak up on any pilot. In Day 11 of the 31-Day Safer Pilot Challenge 2026, Jamie takes you into the flight deck to break down exactly how to handle this scenario safely and confidently.
Go-Around Early: There is No Shame in It
The most important correction for being too high on final happens before touching down at all: the go-around.
If an approach starts out unstable, especially if the aircraft is excessively high, forcing the landing is never the right answer. A go-around removes pressure, reduces risk, and resets the entire approach. When in doubt, the safest option is always to add power and try again.
Many pilots hesitate to go-around because they feel they should be able to “salvage” the landing. That mindset can lead to rushed decisions, excessive sink rates, hard touchdowns, and runway overruns. A go-around keeps the aircraft within safe performance margins and gives the pilot time to set up a better approach.
A good rule of thumb to remember is this: if the approach does not look right early, it will not magically improve close to the runway. Going around early almost always leads to a better landing on the next attempt.
Use Power Correctly to Control Altitude
One of the biggest reasons pilots remain high on final is improper power management.
A stabilized approach requires pitching for airspeed while using power to control altitude. If power is left in when it should be reduced, the aircraft simply will not descend as expected, Jamie compares the throttle to an elevator level; pulling the power reduces the ability to “stay level” and allows the airplane to descend more steeply without increasing airspeed.
When high on final, smoothly reducing power toward idle, while maintaining the proper pitch altitude, allows the aircraft to come down at a steeper angle without sacrificing airspeed control. This is not about diving for the runway. It is about removing excess energy so the airplane can naturally descend.
Pilots should always monitor airspeed closely during power reductions. The goal is a controlled descent on target speed, not an aggressive sink. Proper power management early on final eliminates the need for more aggressive corrections later.
Use a Forward Slip to Lose Altitude Safely
When power reduction alone is not enough, a forward slip can be an effective tool for losing altitude quickly without gaining airspeed.
A forward slip increases drag by presenting the side of the aircraft to the relative wind. This allows the airplane to descend rapidly while maintaining a safe approach speed. Jamie demonstrates how much altitude can be lost in a short distance when using this technique correctly.
The key to a safe forward slip is coordination awareness. Pilots must ensure they maintain adequate airspeed and avoid excessive uncoordinated flight near stall speed. Slips should always be practiced with an instructor and used within the aircraft’s limitations.
As the aircraft approaches the runway environment, the slip should be smoothly transitioned back to coordinated flight. Once aligned with the runway, the pilot can continue the landing like a normal approach, adjusting for any crosswind as needed.
Used properly, the forward slip is a powerful tool that gives pilots another option when they find themselves high on final but still within a safe, stabilized approach window.
Safer Pilot Challenge 2026
The Safer Pilot Challenge is our yearly vow to help you become a smarter, safer pilot, and it runs all month long every January, wrapping up with our big livestream finale on January 31! We’re giving away prizes throughout the month, so be sure to watch each YouTube video and leave the specific comment to enter for a chance to win. Are you committing to 31 for 31 days of the Safer Pilot Challenge? If you love our free content, just imagine what our full courses can do for you. We’d love to welcome you into our ground schools! Start today with a free 2-week trial and see if MzeroA is the right fit for your aviation journey!