How does an airplane land?

Answer 1

Specific landing procedures differ from small aircraft to larger aircraft, but the basic principle remains the same. The pilot begins by descending from a cruising altitude towards the runway and reducing the airplane's airspeed by lowering engine power and changing the shape of the aircraft's wing by employing the use of "flaps" and "slats". Flaps and slates allow the aircraft to fly safely at lower airspeeds. The pilot lines the aircraft up with the runway, either visually (looking out the airplane's window) or through the use of instruments (when clouds, precipitation, or other weather phenomena do not permit the pilot to see the runway). The pilot then keeps reducing the airspeed until the predetermined landing speed (commonly referred to by pilots as the "reference speed") is obtained and the plane descends closer to the runway. When the aircraft is just a few feet above the runway, the pilot gently pulls the nose of the aircraft up (called the "flare") so as to slow the airplane's descent and allow for a smooth touchdown. Tire brakes, and even reverse thrusters on some turbine or turboprop powered planes are employed to further facilitate braking. That's how an airplane lands!

Answer 2

slowing down and descending to the runway