The landing flare, also referred to as the round out,[1] is a maneuver or stage during the landing of an aircraft.[2][3][4]
The flare follows the final approach phase and precedes the touchdown and roll-out phases of landing. In the flare, the nose of the plane is raised, slowing the descent rate and therefore creating a softer touchdown, and the proper attitude is set for touchdown. In the case of tailwheel landing gear-equipped aircraft, the attitude is set for touchdown on the main (front) landing gear first. In the case of tricycle gear-equipped aircraft, the attitude is set for touchdown on the main (rear) landing gear. In the case of monowheel gear-equipped gliders, the flare consists only of leveling the aircraft.[2][3][4]
Inparachuting, the flare is the part of the parachute landing fall preceding ground contact and is executed about 15 feet (5 m) above ground.[5]
During a helicopter landing, a flare is used for reducing both vertical and horizontal speed thus allowing a near zero-speed touchdown.[6]
^ abKaiserG, John W. (1977). How to Fly Book: Cessna 150. Victoria Flying Club. p. 33.
^ abReichman, Helmut (1980). Flying Sailplanes. Thomson Publications. p. 51. LCCN80-52798.
^Poynter, Dan; Turoff, Mike (2003). Parachuting: The Skydiver's Handbook. Para Publishing. p. 68. ISBN978-1-56860-087-1. Retrieved 15 October 2011 – via Google Books. Flare at 15', push both toggles down to pelvis....or blow the timing on the landing flare.
^Newman, Simon (1994). The Foundations of Helicopter Flight. Halsted Press. ISBN978-0-470-23394-8. Retrieved 15 October 2011 – via Google Books. ...the final part of the autorotative manoeuvre. This is the landing flare prior to touchdown, which is necessary to arrest the vertical descent rate of the helicopter.
