The Final Approach
In the distance, the runway appeared, and the pilot started to approach the final. This is usually the most treacherous phase of landing due to the remaining altitude of the aircraft, as this will determine the descent angle and what the plane would hit the runway with: the speed of impact. When the pilot got closer to the runway he kept all his attention extremely tight and measured every movement in anticipation of whether it was going to be an intact landing or not. Every passenger in the cabin held his breath, crew member or passenger.
Soon, the plane began descending very rapidly and smoothly while the pilot’s steady hands guided it correctly toward the runway. At this stage of final moments, the co-pilot was thoroughly checking each and every instrument and was giving feedback to his counterpart as the airplane began its descent. The communication was minimal-it is only to keep it within the limits, which were to be strictly adhered to. Tension was palpable as the ground was coming closer and closer.
Finally, the plane’s wheels thudded onto the runway and the passengers sighed collectively in relief as it rolled to a gradual stop. Passengers cheered and applauded, overwhelmed with gratitude and awe at the skill that had brought them safely onto the ground. It was not only a success landing but also a testament to the power of expertise, focus, and teamwork in the face of a near disaster.
