The hardest part about flying a plane, widely considered by pilots, is landing, especially in challenging conditions like crosswinds, because it demands precise control, constant adjustments, and managing numerous variables (wind, speed, altitude, runway alignment) in a narrow performance window, making each landing unique and critical. While takeoff is also demanding, landings are statistically more hazardous and require significant skill, experience, and judgment, with poor landings often noticed by passengers.
Every runway is unique, but a commonly referenced optimum glidepath follows the "3:1" principle. The principle, also seen as a descent ratio, means that for every 3 nautical miles (nm) flown over the ground, the aircraft should descend 1,000 feet. This flightpath profile simulates a 3-degree glideslope.
Most experts consider landing to be the most complex and hazardous phase of flight. It involves a gradual descent, constant communication with the control tower, precise speed regulation, alignment with the runway approach angle, and sometimes last-minute changes in instructions.
🚀💪 🔑 Key Takeaway Flying an aircraft is challenging but not impossible. It requires training, practice, and a keen mind. With technology and experience, pilots develop the skills to make it second nature. So, if you've ever dreamed of flying, don't let fear stop you—take that first step toward the skies!
It's easy to assume that turbulence tops the list: the sudden jolt that makes you double-check your seatbelt and glance anxiously at the flight attendants. Yet according to Booking.com's Travel Trends 2025 study, the greater source of stress isn't flying itself, but the uncertainty of delays and cancellations.
But descent and landing are the absolute most dangerous time.”
Not sure whether you're fit to fly? You'll need to contact your doctor before you book. Flying can cause problems like Deep Vein Thrombosis for people with bronchial or circulatory problems - so it's best to double-check.
If you have a contagious illness like influenza, chickenpox, measles, or another infectious disease, you should avoid flying until you've fully recovered and your doctor has given clearance. Not only can flying worsen your symptoms, but you risk infecting other passengers in a closed cabin environment.
The Challenge of Landings
Landing an aircraft is one of the most talked-about challenges in aviation. Many students come to us at Leopard Aviation asking why landings can feel so difficult, even when other parts of flying seem manageable. The answer? Every landing is different.
Nonejection decision Of the 280 pilots involved in aviation accidents, 134 (48%) died and 146 (52%) have survived.
The middle seat at the back of the plane was found to be the safest with a 28% fatality rate, while the worst was the middle aisle seat with a 44% fatality rate.
What Are The 4 Principles of Flight? Flight comes down to four fundamental forces: lift, weight, thrust, and drag. Each force has its own direction, opposing force, and factors that affect its strength.
Though the takeoff and initial climb phases represent only 2% of total flight time exposure, they account for 20% of fatal accidents and 20% of fatalities. The subsequent climb phase—though more stable—was responsible for 10% of fatal incidents and a staggering 35% of deaths, despite occupying just 14% of exposure.
For single-pilot, the maximum duty period is generally 8 hours. For two-pilot, the maximum duty period is up to 14 hours, depending on start time. The FAA acknowledges that initiating a duty period late at night or very early morning raises fatigue risk.
The requirement for large aeroplanes is that the aircraft must be fully evacuated in 90 seconds or less with only half of the exits usable – an impressive feat, but necessary, as time is crucial in such events. To support this, the emergency exits need to be opened and the slide deployed in not more than 10 seconds.
Turbulence during the middle of a long haul flight . Especially when you are in the middle of nowhere or water. Having turbulence during take off or landing is “expected” but during hour 7 on a 12 hour flight? Always think the worst is about to happen.
Pilot error is the number one cause of aviation accidents. Piloting an aircraft requires lengthy training, a knowledge of the mechanical components of an aircraft, and hand-eye coordination skills to effectively and safely maneuver an aircraft. Pilots also have to think ahead.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Actively abusing drugs or alcohol is an automatic disqualification from becoming a pilot. Drug examiners determine this based on drug and alcohol abuse history. They will do an investigation to determine whether an individual is likely to abuse again, which could pose a risk to being a pilot.
With the tagline “Now Everyone Can Fly,” AirAsia offers fares to more than 140 destinations across the Asia Pacific region and is Airbus' largest customer and one of the world's largest operators of the Airbus A320.
On the line-up: Liz McClarnon, aka the No-Fly Traveller.
That's why flight instructors teach a timeless checklist known as the “Five C's” — a set of actions to help pilots remain calm, regain situational awareness, and navigate back to safety. The 5 C's are: Climb, Conserve, Call, Confess, and Comply.
Physical illness and injuries on commercial flights
15 Tips for Plane Travel