In the flare, the nose of the plane is raised, slowing the descent rate and therefore creating a softer touchdown, and the proper attitude is set for touchdown.
In the case of tricycle gear-equipped aircraft, the attitude is set for touchdown on the main (rear) landing gear.
In the case of monowheel gear-equipped gliders, the flare consists only of leveling the aircraft.
[2][3][4] In parachuting, the flare is the part of the parachute landing fall preceding ground contact and is executed about 15 feet (5 m) above ground.
[5] During a helicopter landing, a flare is used for reducing both vertical and horizontal speed thus allowing a near zero-speed touchdown.