During a normal ATR landing checklist, what action confirms the airplane is prepared for touchdown?

During a normal ATR landing checklist, what action confirms the airplane is prepared for touchdown?

• A. Landing gear down and locked.
• B. Flaps set per procedure.
• C. Approach speed monitored and landing attitude established.
• D. Spoilers deployed after touchdown.

Answer: (C)

The action that shows the airplane is ready for touchdown is maintaining a stabilized approach by monitoring the correct approach speed and establishing the proper landing attitude. Why this is best: Keeping speed within the planned approach range ensures the airplane has the right energy for a safe descent and flare, while the correct landing attitude positions the fuselage and nose to the proper angle for a smooth touchdown. Together, these indicate the aircraft is configured and flown toward a controlled, safe contact with the runway. Why the other options aren’t the best for confirming readiness: gear down and locked is essential, but it’s a configuration step that can occur well before touchdown and doesn’t by itself guarantee a prepared landing path. Flaps set per procedure and spoilers deployed after touchdown are part of configuring for landing or post-touchdown actions, not the direct confirmation that you’re ready to touchdown.

The action that shows the airplane is ready for touchdown is maintaining a stabilized approach by monitoring the correct approach speed and establishing the proper landing attitude.

Why this is best: Keeping speed within the planned approach range ensures the airplane has the right energy for a safe descent and flare, while the correct landing attitude positions the fuselage and nose to the proper angle for a smooth touchdown. Together, these indicate the aircraft is configured and flown toward a controlled, safe contact with the runway.

Why the other options aren’t the best for confirming readiness: gear down and locked is essential, but it’s a configuration step that can occur well before touchdown and doesn’t by itself guarantee a prepared landing path. Flaps set per procedure and spoilers deployed after touchdown are part of configuring for landing or post-touchdown actions, not the direct confirmation that you’re ready to touchdown.