Flare: what is it exactly?

**fspaan** · 01-09-2002, 07:32 AM

Hi All,

There is a question I have struggled with some time and I cannot find an understandable answer to it: What is flare during the landing? How does it work? What happens with the airplane?

Thanks in advance for your help?

Regards,

ferry

**muttly** · 01-09-2002, 08:20 AM

Well...I'm shocked:o to see that Lou hasn't jumped in here to answer....so here goes. Flare is basicly raising the nose of the aircraft to accomplish two things,

1.) It bleeds off airspeed quickly when you are low to the ground in ground effect causing the aircraft to slow down and lose altitude.

2.) By flaring you allow the aircraft to settle onto the runway on the mains. This is a good thing as the mains are strong enough to handle the instant weight of the aircraft as it settles onto the runway. If you were to try and land on the nose or tail wheel first you would most likely have a serious problem in that you most likely would become a smokin hole in or along side of the runway due to gear collapse.

I imagine if I am wrong here Lou or somebody will either add or correct me.

Mutt:-wave

**ChristopherT** · 01-09-2002, 08:25 AM

>There is a question I have struggled with some time and
>I cannot find an understandable answer to it: What is
>flare during the landing? How does it work? What happens
>with the airplane?
>ferry

flare (verb):
To level off and establish the correct landing attitude just above the runway prior to landing. A pilot flares by applying back pressure to the control yoke or stick, which raises the nose of the aircraft. When done properly, the flare is a smooth, continuous transition from a nose-low, descending flight path to a nose-high attitude that almost stops the aircraft's descent.

Basically you want the plane right before stall speed and
with the main gear lower than the nose gear just before it
touches down. Your rate of decent might lower into the 100-200
feet/minute from its previous 500ft/minute.

Christopher Tarana
The Old Hangar
www.flightsimmers.net