Aircraft Landing: Flare Retard
Landing Phase Overview
In commercial aviation, “flare” and “retard” are two key actions during the last seconds before touchdown.
#Retard_flare
1️⃣ Flare
Flare = the pilot raises the aircraft nose
slightly just before touchdown.
Purpose:
• Reduce descent rate
• Achieve smooth touchdown
• Allow main landing gear to touch first
Typical timing:
Begins around 30–50 ft (10–15 m) above the runway.
What the pilot does:
• Pull the control column slightly back
• Increase angle of attack
• Reduce descent rate.
2️⃣ Retard
Retard = reduce engine thrust to idle during the flare.
Purpose:
• Remove lift generated by thrust
• Allow aircraft to settle onto the runway
In Airbus aircraft, the system gives an automatic callout:
“RETARD… RETARD…”
This happens around 20 ft above runway.
Pilots must:
• Pull thrust levers to idle
• Continue flare
• Touchdown.
3️⃣ Typical Landing Sequence (Airbus)
Height Action
100 ft Stabilized approach
50 ft Begin flare
30 ft Increase pitch slightly
20 ft RETARD (thrust idle)
10 ft Main gear touchdown
4️⃣ Why the Order Matters
Flare first Retard second
If thrust is not reduced:
• Aircraft floats down the runway
• Landing distance increases
• Risk of runway overrun
Simple rule pilots learn:
“Flare… Retard… Touchdown.”
If you want, I can also explain:
Airbus vs Boeing landing philosophy
Why Airbus says “RETARD” but Boeing doesn’t
Accidents caused by incorrect flare timing (Top 5).