T-30min — start of descent
Engines back to idle. Cabin pressure adjusts gently — your ears may pop. The whoosh of air noise increases as the aircraft trades altitude for speed.
T-10min — flaps deploy in stages
You'll hear motors and feel slight bumps as the flaps extend. The aircraft slows. This is exactly what's supposed to happen at this point.
T-3min — landing gear extends
A loud clunk and increased airflow sound — the landing gear is now down and locked. The aircraft slows further.
T-1min — final approach, throttle changes
Pilots make small thrust adjustments to hold a precise glide path. You may hear the engines spool up briefly — this is normal correction, not a problem.
T+0 — touchdown
A firm 'arrival' is preferred to a soft float. A solid landing means the brakes can engage immediately and the aircraft decelerates safely. Bouncy is fine; firm is good.
T+1s — reverse thrust
The loud roar after touchdown is the engines redirecting thrust forward to slow the plane. Combined with wheel brakes and spoilers, this is the strongest deceleration of the entire flight.