True or False: A high sink rate during a final approach can lead to a stall or hard landing.

True or False: A high sink rate during a final approach can lead to a stall or hard landing.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on the descent rate
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

A high sink rate during the final approach phase of flight is indeed critical and can lead to undesirable outcomes such as a stall or hard landing. When an aircraft descends rapidly toward the runway, it approaches a condition where the angle of attack could become excessive if the pilot does not manage airspeed and descent appropriately. If the aircraft’s airspeed is not sufficient to maintain lift while experiencing this high rate of descent, the wing can stall. This stall situation occurs when the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle, resulting in a loss of lift and potentially catastrophic consequences during landing. Additionally, a high sink rate may also lead to a hard landing. If the aircraft descends too quickly without proper control of pitch and airspeed, the impact with the runway can be far more forceful than normalized landing conditions, which can damage the aircraft and compromise passenger safety. Thus, recognizing the risks associated with a high sink rate and emphasizing correct control and descent techniques during the final approach is essential for safe flying practices.

A high sink rate during the final approach phase of flight is indeed critical and can lead to undesirable outcomes such as a stall or hard landing. When an aircraft descends rapidly toward the runway, it approaches a condition where the angle of attack could become excessive if the pilot does not manage airspeed and descent appropriately.

If the aircraft’s airspeed is not sufficient to maintain lift while experiencing this high rate of descent, the wing can stall. This stall situation occurs when the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle, resulting in a loss of lift and potentially catastrophic consequences during landing.

Additionally, a high sink rate may also lead to a hard landing. If the aircraft descends too quickly without proper control of pitch and airspeed, the impact with the runway can be far more forceful than normalized landing conditions, which can damage the aircraft and compromise passenger safety.

Thus, recognizing the risks associated with a high sink rate and emphasizing correct control and descent techniques during the final approach is essential for safe flying practices.