In 2026, the before-landing checklist is a critical safety protocol used by pilots to ensure the aircraft is properly configured for a safe transition from flight to ground. Standard items include verifying the landing gear is down and locked (often confirmed by "three green" lights), setting flaps and slats to the required landing position, and ensuring the speed brakes or spoilers are armed. Pilots also confirm the altimeter settings are correct for the local airport pressure, turn on landing lights, and brief the missed approach procedure. In modern glass cockpits, many of these steps are monitored by automated systems, but the physical verbal or mental confirmation remains a mandatory "fail-safe" to prevent gear-up landings or unstable approaches.