Learning to Land an Airplane

Posted by Helen Krasner Oct 14, 2008

I spent hours learning to land. Most people find it difficult, and indeed it is the hardest part of learning to fly light aircraft. But I really, really struggled; indeed, it got so bad that I lost all my confidence and began to wonder if I should give up flying altogether. For hour after hour I practised, but I simply couldn't do it - or not consistently.

Then I changed to a new instructor, and this definitely helped. We got on very well, and he had a different approach which seemed to suit me very well,, plus loads of patience. And finally, I got it! Not all the time, but more often than not. I discovered how to do a better approach, and for a good landing you need a good, stable approach. Eventually I was landing well most of the time. Just as importantly, I knew when it wasn't going to work and I should go around - that is, put on full power before landing the aircraft and take off again, going round the cuircuit to have another crack at it.

Then finally - and it did take a long time - came the day when my instructor told me I could have a go at doing it...ALONE! But I'll save that for next time....