Pilot Control During Landing: Ensuring Safety and Precision

As a former professional pilot, it is indeed my responsibility to have my hands and feet on the controls when taking off and landing. Nearly every phase of flight requires manual input from the pilot, but this is especially critical during the landing process. Let's explore the importance of pilot control during landing and the manual inputs required for safety.

Safety First: Taking Over Immediately

The safety of passengers and crew is paramount, and the pilot must be able to take over the controls immediately in the event that the autopilot decides to disengage at a critical phase of the landing. This ability to quickly assume control is a fundamental aspect of every pilot's training and responsibility. As a professional pilot, I have experienced firsthand the importance of maintaining manual control to ensure a successful and safe landing.

Manual Control for All Landings

It's critical that the pilot maintains full control during every landing. Even for auto-landings, where the aircraft is designed to automatically complete the landing process, the pilot must still have their hands on the controls. This is particularly important in the case of a failed auto-land. For instance, my very first attempt at an auto-land in a Boeing 737 resulted in a position next to the runway. Recognizing the safety risk, I disconnected the autopilot, executed a go-around, and completed a manual landing. Such incidents are recorded in the aircraft's logbook for maintenance and safety analysis. This procedure is also documented to ensure that corrective actions are taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Landing Procedures and Control Inputs

The process of landing an aircraft involves several stages, and manual inputs are required throughout. Even when the autopilot is engaged, the pilot must be prepared to take over immediately if the system fails. This ensures that the aircraft is safely guided to the runway and can be controlled by the pilot in a variety of situations.

During the final approach and the flare phase, which is just a few feet over the runway, it's essential that the pilot monitors the aircraft's angle of attack. An excessively high angle of attack can cause the aircraft to stall if not corrected. In such situations, the pilot must adjust the controls to maintain the proper descent angle and ensure a safe touchdown. The ability to make these critical adjustments manually is crucial for maintaining control and safety during the landing process.

The Role of a Pilot

A pilot cannot truly be considered a pilot if they do not have full control of their aircraft from the moment motion begins until it comes to a complete stop. This principle applies to all types of vehicles, whether it's a car, a truck, a tractor, or even a bicycle. The essential difference between a pilot and a passenger is the ability to control the vehicle. Pilots are responsible for managing the aircraft in both the air and on the ground, while other vehicles operate primarily on the ground.

Ultimately, the role of a pilot is to ensure the safe and successful operation of the aircraft. Manual control inputs are a key component of this responsibility, especially during the critical phases of takeoff and landing. Proper training and the ability to execute these critical procedures are vital for the safety of all those on board.

Conclusion: Pilots have full control of the aircraft during landing. This manual control is crucial for ensuring safety and precision, especially during critical phases like the flare. Proper training and readiness to take over in case of system failures are fundamental to the role of a pilot. By maintaining control, pilots can prevent hazards and ensure a successful and safe landing.