Flying Lessons

Landing a Boeing 737–800 in a Traffic Pattern

Action	Key / Control
Enter the Downwind Leg
Altitude: 3,000 AGL
Target airspeed: 180 knots (indicated)
Set flaps to 5.	Press F7 three times or until flap gauge points to "5."
Set power between 40 and 45 percent N1.	Advance throttle (press F3). Reduce throttle (press F2).
Descend at 700 to 750 fpm (feet per minute) down to pattern altitude (1,500 AGL).	Adjust pitch until VSI reads about 700.
At Pattern Altitude
Set power to 50 to 52 percent N1.	Advance throttle (press F3). Reduce throttle (press F2).
Set pitch 5 degrees to 6 degrees for level flight.
Target speed: 170 knots
Opposite Point 3 nm from End of Runway
Gear down	Press G.
Set flaps to 15. Set pitch between 5 and 6 degrees for level flight.	Press F7 until flap gauge points to 15.
Power set to between 60 and 62 percent N1.	Advance throttle (press F3).
Target speed: 160 knots
On Base Leg
Set flaps to 25.	Press F7 until flap gauge points to 25.
Set power to between 63 and 65 percent N1.	Advance throttle (press F3). Reduce throttle (press F2).
Target speed: 160 to 150 knots.
Begin 500-to-700-fpm descent as necessary to intercept the glide slope. Pitch 3 degrees nose up for descent.	Adjust pitch until VSI reads between 500 and 700.
On Final
Set flaps to 30.	Press F7 until flap gauge points to 30.
Set power to between 53 and 58 percent N1.Set pitch to 0 degrees.	Advance throttle (press F3). Reduce throttle (press F2).
Target speed: 150 knots
Begin an 800-fpm descent once on the VASI or glide slope.	Adjust pitch until VSI reads about 800.
Crossing the Threshold
Smoothly reduce power to idle.	Reduce throttle (press F2). Cut throttle (press F1).
Pitch up to 3 degrees nose up.	Apply backpressure to the stick.
Touch down and stay on the centerline
Apply reverse thrust	Press and hold F2.
Apply brakes	Press the PERIOD (.) key.
Disengage thrust reversers	Press F1.