Do Pilots Turn Off Engines When Landing?

The common misconception is that pilots turn off the engines during the landing process. In reality, aircraft engines remain operational throughout the landing phase to ensure the plane has the necessary thrust and control. This is a crucial step in ensuring safety and a smooth landing. Let’s delve into the details.

Operational Engines for Landing Thrust and Control

When an aircraft is landing, the engines are not shut off. Both engines continue to run to maintain the necessary thrust and control. This is essential because the plane must keep moving forward during the descent to continue being an aircraft, capable of controlled flight. Stopping mid-air is not an option. Thus, pilots use engine power to assist with the landing approach and to react quickly to any unforeseen situations, such as a go-around if needed.

Typically, the engines are shut down only after the aircraft has safely landed, taxied to the gate, and is ready for deboarding. For many commercial flights, during the descent, the engines operate at idle or near-idle power. Most of the time, the engines are near idle, providing minimal thrust, but still operational. This is because the plane is transitioning from powered flight to a more gliding state.

Additional Safety Reasons

Another important reason for maintaining engine operation during landing is safety. Aircraft engines play a crucial role in slowing the plane down after touchdown. By redirecting the thrust forward, the engines generate a braking effect that helps bring the plane to a safe stop. If the aircraft were to rely solely on the brakes in the landing gear, it could be insufficient due to the plane’s combined weight and inertia.

Moreover, some aircraft, like the C-17, can reverse the thrust of their engines. This ability is particularly useful for decelerating the plane after landing, providing an additional layer of safety and control. Pilots can engage this reverse thrust when necessary, ensuring a stable and controlled landing process.

Optimal Landing Procedures

While reality doesn’t always allow for a perfectly gliding descent, pilots aim for an ideal scenario where the plane glides down to about 2000 feet above the airport, powers up to stabilize the engines and configuration, and then idles as it descends further. Ideally, the plane would glide all the way down to a few hundred feet before using the engines to stabilize. However, factors such as air traffic control, weather conditions, and terrain dictate that this perfect scenario isn’t always feasible.

The key is maintaining controlled flight until the aircraft touches down and begins to decelerate through the use of engines, brakes, and other safety mechanisms. This ensures a safe and smooth transition from the air to the ground, minimizing any risk of accidents and keeping passengers comfortable and secure.

Conclusion

In summary, pilots do not turn off engines during the landing process. The engines remain operational to provide the necessary thrust and control, ensuring a safe and smooth landing. This practice is essential for the continued safe operation of the aircraft until it is brought to a complete stop. Understanding this process helps dispel common misconceptions and highlights the critical role of pilots and aircraft systems in ensuring safe flights.