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Ask the Captain: What happens on final approach?

John Cox
Special for USA TODAY

Question: When the announcement is made that, "The pilot has begun his initial approach," why is the word initial used? It implies there may be more than one approach.

— Alex, Jacksonville

Answer: It is a differentiation of the segments of the approach. There is an initial part of the approach and a final phase of the approach. The final phase is often the last 5 miles when the airplane is aligned with the runway and is descending toward it.

Q: I was sitting next to a pilot on a commercial flight, and he said that we must be 6 miles from touchdown when he heard the landing gear engaged. Is there a set distance for this?              

— Mark Torpey, Phoenix

A: Most runways used by commercial jets have an Instrument Landing System (ILS) providing electronic lateral and vertical guidance. An average ILS approach has the Final Approach Fix (FAF) approximately 6 miles from touchdown. The landing gear is usually extended when passing over the FAF.  This standardizes the approach and ensures that it is stable.

Q: On final approach, there is a feeling almost like the pilot has hit the airbrakes. Is this from flap deployment, landing gear being lowered or something else?

— Tim H., Tampa

A: You might be feeling the additional drag as flaps are extended to their landing position. This can cause a rapid change in the pitch of the airplane and increases the rate of deceleration.

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Q: From where on the plane is the descent rate callout ("50 - 40 - 30") on final approach calculated: landing gear, body-mounted sensors or the altimeter?

— Bill, Arkansas

A: The sensor is in the belly of the airplane and is calibrated to the bottom of the wheel with the landing gear strut fully extended.

Q: I've noticed that when inbound to an airport, the pilot begins decelerating the aircraft sometimes a half-hour prior to touchdown.  What are the reasons why max speed isn't used until, say, the final 10 minutes, using that time to decelerate during the approach?         

— Tim Perkins, Rockwall, Texas

A: Usually the speed reduction is due to air traffic control instructions. As the traffic near an airport backs up, the speed is reduced. In an ideal world the speed would be maintained as long as possible. New navigation procedures show the promise of maximizing maintaining cruise speed and altitude as long as possible.

Q: Regarding your recent column about military aircraft: It is my understanding F-111s had the uncomfortable habit of the nose gear collapsing while sitting in revetments. This caused consternation among the ranks of its pilots when landing.

— Chuck, California

A: I had not heard that. Thanks for the input.

Ask the Captain: Reader questions about military aircraft

Have a question about flying? Send it to travel@usatoday.com.

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