Accident statistics indicate that the landing sequence is the  portion of flight in which the most injuries occur.  Of more importance, and a point frequently missed by  newer or inexperienced pilots, is that the approach is being  performed in two different planes or dimensions. Pilots are  accustomed to thinking of the approach in vertical terms, but  frequently discount the fact that the approach is also being  performed on the horizontal plane.  Refer to  Figure 8-1.  This is the approach path to the selected  landing site for this pilot. Most pilots presume that this  will happen after making a determination of lower level  winds, evaluating obstacle clearance, noting the presence  of powerlines, and making the decision to commit to the  landing. After that, the primary focus becomes making  the descent without further consideration of the lateral or  horizontal movement.  In  Figure 8-2,  the pilot has determined the winds below, and  has set up for the same approach ensuring obstacle clearance,  powerline considerations, and making the commitment to  land. The difference here is that the pilot has a higher level  Conventional wisdom indicates three types of approaches  to landing in ballooning—stair step, straight line, and steep  (previously discussed in Chapter 7, Inflight Maneuvers).  In reality, the stair step and straight line approaches are  considered the same type of approach, a controlled approach,  while the steep approach is viewed as an accelerated  approach. Any approach is considered to be a variation of  one of these two or perhaps a combination.  An axiom of ballooning is “the best altitude for landing is  the lowest altitude.” Anyone can land from one foot above  the ground; it takes skill to land from 100 feet. The pilot’s  ultimate goal in making the approach is to set himself up to  make a smooth, gentle landing in the best possible location  without causing damage to the balloon or injury to the  passengers. The Approach $_{Figure 8-1.}$  Horizontal approach path as normally visualized and performed. 8-2