Glossary
Flight Operations
Landing
Definition
The phase of flight in which an aircraft descends and makes contact with the runway surface. Involves approach, flare, touchdown, and rollout to decelerate to taxi speed.
Related Terms
Runway
A defined rectangular area on an airport prepared for the takeoff and landing of aircraft. Runways are numbered based on their magnetic heading, divided by 10.
Threshold
The beginning of the portion of a runway available for landing. Marked with white stripes, it indicates the point where aircraft should touch down.
Go-Around
A procedure in which a pilot aborts a landing approach and climbs back to a safe altitude to attempt another approach. May be initiated by the pilot or instructed by ATC.