What should an aircraft expect when entering ground effect during landing?

When an aircraft enters ground effect during landing, it typically experiences a nose-down pitch and an increase in longitudinal stability. Ground effect occurs when the aircraft is flying close to the surface, typically within a distance equal to the wingspan. In this condition, the airflow over the wings is influenced by the ground, leading to an alteration in lift characteristics.

As the aircraft descends into ground effect, the lift generated by the wings increases due to the reduced interference of wingtip vortices and the resulting increase in effective angle of attack. This increased lift can create a momentary nose-up attitude, but shortly after the aircraft stabilizes and the pilot may perceive a tendency for a nose-down pitch as the aircraft approaches its landing.

Furthermore, the increased proximity to the ground enhances longitudinal stability. The ground provides a more stable platform that reduces pitch oscillations and increases control authority, allowing the pilot to manage the descent more effectively. Consequently, while entering ground effect, pilots must be mindful of this pitch behavior and adaptability in control inputs to ensure a smooth landing.