[DFLG] Do planes have to speed up to land?

[Black]

Many days I see one plane after another floating by impossibly slowly outside the window here.... recently I was near the airport and had the impression that the planes coming in for landings were moving much faster. I realize it could all just be optical tricks/illusions based on various factors, but I wanted to ask the large body of aviation experts on this forum and see what I got- thanks!

[freeradical]

Trick.

The closer something is to you, the larger it's angular size.

[Black]

freeradical wrote:
Trick.

The closer something is to you, the larger it's angular size.

Right, but they don't seem any farther when I see them landing than they do from the window.

[BernDog]

freeradical wrote:
Trick.

The closer something is to you, the larger it's angular size.

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!!!


























Sorry. Had to be done.

[OWC Jamie]

angular perception

[jdc]

depends on where you are standing...

[Black]

Allright, you got me to google, nice work.
My search suggests that the pilot does apply more thrust to counter for the drag of the extended flaps prior to landing, so it's possible that the plane does speed up at least some point prior to landing (as opposed to when it's sort of killing time prior to final approach.)

[Carnos Jax]

Like most people have already said, it's perception. The increase in thrust the pilot applies as they extend flaps, as you noted Black, is simply to compensate for the additional drag caused by their extension. One of the reasons that the flaps are extended is to enable the plane to fly at slower speeds. Other than minor variations that occur during the landing sequence, the slowest a plane flies is supposed to be just before it touches down.

[Buzz]

Depends on a lot of factors, so pretty much any answer has the possibility to be correct. Generally speaking, the throttle is goosed just prior to the wheels touching down to help smooth out the touch down. Plane size, weight, approach angle, location of airport, wind speed & direction, runway length, if the pilot's wife is in labor giving birth at the hospital, etc., all contribute to your answer.
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[NewtonMP2100]

.....only if it feels....the need.......for speed.......