What is a characteristic of a soft landing?

A soft landing is characterized by a gentle touchdown, which refers to the smooth and controlled way in which an aircraft makes contact with the ground during landing. This type of landing minimizes stress on both the aircraft and the occupants, contributing to safety and comfort. A gentle touchdown is achieved by managing descent rates, speed, and controlling pitch and roll angles as the aircraft approaches the runway, allowing for optimal performance and control.

In contrast, other characteristics involve elements that are not conducive to a soft landing. For instance, a sudden impact would suggest a harsh and uncontrolled landing, which contradicts the essence of a soft landing. Increased engine thrust typically occurs during takeoff or in a go-around situation rather than during landing, and a rapid altitude change is not part of a soft landing, as it could lead to loss of control and an unsafe landing scenario.