How does a pilot know when the wheels are on the ground when landing?
– CD, Alexandria, Virginia
If you are fortunate enough to “roll it on” and the landing is very smooth, you can feel the vibration from the wheels as they spin. Additionally, in a jet airliner you will feel the airplane squat as the ground spoilers deploy causing the weight of the airplane to transfer from the wings to the landing gear.
Usually, there is a noticeable contact with the runway. Occasionally, that contact can be a bit firm.
Do pilots land large airliners manually or by computer?
– Gerald Camp, Ontario, Canada
While many airplanes can land by use of automation, the vast majority of landings are still done manually. Pilots are generally better atlanding in more dynamic weather conditions than the automated system.
John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.
