← 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 (to maintain or regain altitude on the glide path).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.