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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

The Slice

One question for pilots

Maybe this has happened to you.

You're on an airliner and the landing is so gentle and smooth that some of the passengers applaud.

It's a nice sentiment, I guess. But I have heard pilots say you actually want to set her down with a bit of authority. You know, a slight thud.

Now perhaps the kind of aircraft, gross weight, runway length and other factors enter into the equation. So maybe there isn't a simple answer to my question.

But I'll go ahead and ask.

Which is the better landing -- the almost imperceptible touchdown or the one that makes it clear you are back on the ground?

(I'll stipulate that you are tempted to go with "What's a good landing? Any one you walk away from.")



The Slice

The online home for Paul Turner's musings and interactions with disciples of The Slice.