A Study of Light Airplane Pilot Landing Performance

The results of a total of 289 landings performed with a low wing airplane by a group of private pilots on a long and short runway have been analyzed to determine the landing performance of these pilots. Both the long and short runway landings show significant variation from straight or uniformly curved trajectories denoting considerable “jockeying” on the part of the pilot during approach. The long runway approach speeds were variable and higher than recommended. Considerable float followed by touchdown at speeds well above stall were noted. The short runway landings were quite similar except that approach speeds were slightly lower as a result of the use of 2/3 to full flaps, and touchdown occurred closer to the threshold.