What will an aircraft experience when it enters ground effect during landing?

When an aircraft enters ground effect during landing, it experiences decreased drag and increased lift. Ground effect occurs when an aircraft is within one wingspan distance from the ground. At this altitude, the airflow around the wings is altered due to the proximity of the ground surface, which reduces the intensity of the wing's downwash and the vortex drag. This results in a phenomenon where the lift generated by the wings is enhanced.

As the aircraft descends to land, the lift becomes more efficient because the wing is operating closer to the ground, which allows for more lift to be generated with less drag compared to higher altitudes. This effect is particularly beneficial during the final stages of landing, as it helps the aircraft maintain a stable descent and can make it easier to achieve a softer touchdown.

The interaction between the aircraft and the ground allows pilots to utilize ground effect to their advantage, leading to a more controlled landing. Thus, entering ground effect results in decreased drag and increased lift, which is essential for effective and safe landings.