← All explained questions · Supplemental · IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds

When you're low on the glide path on final, the proper correction is to

Choices

push the nose down to gain airspeed.
Push down accelerates but worsens descent angle.
✓ Increase power.correct
keep pitch attitude appropriate for the desired airspeed (slightly higher pitch to slow rate of descent until back on path). On the glide path: pitch controls airspeed, power controls altitude/glide path. If LOW, add power to restore the path; pitch may need slight up-correction temporarily until back on track. Pulling back without power loses airspeed; pushing the nose down accelerates but increases descent. If HIGH on the path, reduce power (or extend more flaps). Practice this 'pitch-power coupling' at altitude before applying on final.
lower flaps further.
More flaps = MORE drag, increases descent.
raise the gear (if retractable).
Gear up is for go-around, not glide-path correction.

Why

keep pitch attitude appropriate for the desired airspeed (slightly higher pitch to slow rate of descent until back on path). On the glide path: pitch controls airspeed, power controls altitude/glide path. If LOW, add power to restore the path; pitch may need slight up-correction temporarily until back on track. Pulling back without power loses airspeed; pushing the nose down accelerates but increases descent. If HIGH on the path, reduce power (or extend more flaps). Practice this 'pitch-power coupling' at altitude before applying on final.

FAA source: AFH Ch 9; AFH Chapter 9 — Approaches and Landingsbrowse the reference library →

Covered in Supplemental · IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.