International Journal of Comparative Psychology

One of the most difficult tasks confronting pilots is the brief transition between descent attitude and contact with the runway surface. This transition is known as the landing flare and requires pilots to level off the aircraft at a safe altitude above ground. General aviation landing flares are crucial to smooth and safe landings since flaring too high or too low may lead to a hard landing and possible structural damage. Nevertheless, the maneuver is poorly understood and landing flare accident rates are relatively high. This paper considers avian perceptual and stimulus discrimination abilities in order to better understand and improve the flare maneuver. It concludes by suggesting that the focus and methodology of modern psychology may have hindered the development of effective flare instruction.