On 17 Jan, 17:51, "N Cook" wrote:

I thought the point of a glide-path approach was that it is a glide, not
only low propulsive power but air brakes as well to reduce airspeed. So as
long as the airframe stays balanced, no airframe breakages etc then it
should glide in unless someone or something intefered with the control
surfaces.

Sorry but you haven't got it quite right. There is no quick
explanation, but the term "glide path" is a technical term and no
doubt confusing to the layman. The glide path is flown with power and
is (normally) a 3 degree approach angle, ie approximately 1 in 20.
Power is needed all the way down. Indeed, student pilots learn the
mantra "speed with the stick (control column), rate of descent with
the power". Don't forget that flaps will be used (to keep the touch
down speed sensibly low) and this in itself increases the drag so
requires more power. A true glide approach without any power would
need a steeper angle (unless perhaps a flapless approach - not
recommended for other reasons).

It's a complicated subject and requires some in-depth knowledge.
Pilots undergo significant training to understand all the interactions
between power, flap setting, airbrakes, etc.

Jack