In the context of landing, what does the landing phase encompass?

The landing phase specifically refers to the final stages of flight where an aircraft transitions from being airborne to safely touching down and clearing the runway. This encompasses the landing flare, which is the maneuver that prepares the aircraft to land smoothly, and it continues until the aircraft has exited the runway after touchdown. This phase is crucial because it involves various critical actions such as managing speed, controlling descent rate, and ensuring proper alignment with the runway for a safe landing.

Understanding the phases of flight is essential for pilots and aviation students, as each phase involves different procedures, checklists, and safety considerations. The correct option captures the comprehensive nature of the landing phase, which is distinct from other flight phases such as takeoff or cruising, which do not include the specific actions and risks associated with landing.