When evaluating landing distance, which factor has the least impact on the total distance required to land?

The factor that has the least impact on total landing distance is pilot proficiency. While pilot proficiency is critical to overall safety and operational effectiveness, the mathematical aspects of landing distance calculations are more heavily influenced by environmental and physical factors.

Landing distance is primarily affected by temperature, wind component, and the weight of the aircraft. Higher temperatures can reduce air density, requiring longer distances for landing. Similarly, a tailwind can increase ground speed upon landing, requiring more distance, whereas a headwind can help reduce the distance needed. Aircraft weight directly affects the landing performance as a heavier aircraft requires more runway to decelerate after touchdown.

In contrast, while a skilled pilot can maximize safety and efficiency during landing, their proficiency does not alter the physical requirements of the aircraft or the environmental conditions encountered. Thus, in the context of the specific question about the impact on landing distance, pilot proficiency is the factor with the least effect.