What happens during landing?
Landing is the part of the flight with the most sounds and movement. Each one has a name and a reason.
Descent (20–30 minutes before landing)
- The engines get quieter and the nose tilts down slightly.
- Your ears may pop; swallowing and drinking water help.
- The speed brakes (spoilers) on the wings sometimes rise; you'll hear a light rumbling hum.
- Short bumps while passing through cloud layers are normal.
Approach (the last 10 minutes)
- A whine: the flaps extend step by step and the aircraft slows.
- A rumble and a “thunk”: the landing gear comes down. Wind noise increases.
- Engine sound going up and down: pilots fine-tune the speed.
- A little wobble: wind near the ground is more variable; light bumps in the final minutes are very common.
Touchdown
The rear wheels touch first, then the nose wheel. There may be a short jolt; on wet runways pilots put the aircraft down more firmly on purpose. Right after you'll hear the engines roar: reverse thrust slows the aircraft. The brakes come on too, and you feel a gentle push forward.
After
The aircraft slows to taxi speed and heads to the gate. Stay seated until the seatbelt sign goes off. Noting down the flight you just finished makes the next one easier.
