What is the direct effect of "ground effect" during landing?

Ground effect refers to the phenomenon that occurs when an aircraft is flying close to the ground, typically within one wingspan's distance, where the airflow around the wings is altered due to the proximity of the ground. This leads to a number of aerodynamic effects, one of the most notable being improved lift and stability for the aircraft, especially during the landing phase.

When an aircraft is in ground effect, the reduction in induced drag and the enhancement of lift allow for better control and smoother operations. This can help the aircraft to maintain a lower stall speed, making it easier to land safely and effectively without requiring the same amount of power or speed typically needed when flying at a higher altitude. The proximity to the ground stabilizes flow over the wings, causing efficient lift conditions, which makes landing a more manageable task.

In contrast, increased fuel consumption primarily occurs due to larger power requirements, which is not the case in ground effect. Higher descent rates are generally adverse; an aircraft benefits from a reduced descent rate during landing, while greater drag is not characteristic of the ground effect, as the aim is to reduce drag to improve performance during landing. Thus, the enhancement of lift and stability during landing is the key aspect of ground effect that supports safer and more controlled landings