The presenter describes an approach and landing at London City Airport. The account covers the steep glide path, cockpit actions, touchdown and weather.
What the video covers
Written in our own words. It only describes what the video shows and says.The presenter describes an approach to London City Airport from the west, with the aircraft heading for runway 09. The River Thames is mentioned below, and Canary Wharf is named as part of the financial district ahead. The presenter says that most airports use a standard approach angle of around 3 degrees, while this arrival uses a 5.5 degree glide path. According to the presenter, the procedure keeps the aircraft high for as long as possible to clear the city's obstacles, then descends more steeply than normal to reach a short landing area. The presenter says the real part of the approach begins after passing the river, the docks and Canary Wharf.
Cockpit configuration and descent rate
The presenter describes the cockpit configuration for the steep approach. Before intercepting the glide path, the flaps are set for the steep approach, the landing gear is lowered and a slightly higher approach speed is targeted for better control. The presenter says the required rate of descent is almost doubled compared with a standard 3 degree glide. Instead of around 700 feet per minute, the presenter gives roughly 1,200 to 1,300 feet per minute, depending on wind and ground speed. The presenter also says that the autopilot, if used, must be certified for 5.5 degree approaches, and that many crews still prefer to fly the final segment manually. The presenter describes scanning the instruments, the localizer, the glide slope and the outside view, so the city, buildings and river remain in the expected position relative to the nose.
Idle descent, short runway and flare
The presenter says the aircraft is established on the glide path and that the engine tone changes, with the engines at idle or close to idle. The Thames is described as right beneath the aircraft, the boats as almost still, and the runway strip as growing larger in the windscreen. The presenter states that the runway is short, just over 1,500 metres, and that the aim is to touch down almost halfway along it, then brake hard and use reverse thrust to stop in time. The presenter explains that the flare differs from a normal landing because pulling up too early risks flattening out and landing long, while pulling too late makes the impact firm. The timing is described as precise, with a firm but controlled flare to soften the last part of the descent and place the aircraft on the intended spot.
Touchdown, terminal and weather
The presenter says the wheels touch the ground, the reversers and brakes are heard, and the aircraft goes from approach speed to taxi speed within seconds. The outside view is described as a compact terminal with buildings all around and a sensation of having landed in the heart of the city. The presenter mentions typical London weather, with a layer of cloud, diffused light and the Thames shining below. The presenter then says that landing at London City requires specific training, discipline and strong confidence in the aircraft and in the pilot's own skills.
