# The Jacobson Flare

> Quantifiable, universal, and consistent airplane landing technique for pilots. (iPhone/iPad app by BJA Consulting Pty Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-jacobson-flare/id881263940 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [BJA Consulting Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/417674285)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: $39.99 (on sale, was $49.99)
- Rating: 3.50/5 from 26 App Store ratings · 14 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 12 MB
- Languages: German (Germany), Polish, American English
- Released: 2014-07-20
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-jacobson-flare/id881263940/reviews.md

## What is The Jacobson Flare?

The Jacobson Flare Version 2.0

Since 1987, the unique application of The Jacobson Flare has eliminated the imprecise aspects of landing an airplane, otherwise unchanged since the end of World War 1 in 1918. Everything else in aviation has advanced, but NOT landing training. Historically, the manual landing manoeuvre has remained indeterminate. Conventional flare techniques have involved an inconsistent, critical estimation of height above the landing surface and are subject to a number of variable factors, summarised as aircraft, pilot and environmental.

The Jacobson Flare is the first and only quantifiable, universal and consistent landing technique in the history of aviation. To land an airplane consistently well, a pilot should be able to explain the following five questions: 

1. Where to aim?
2. How to aim?
3. When to flare?
4. How much to flare?
5. How fast to flare (flare rate)?

The Jacobson Flare App for the iPad, originally featured in June 2014 on the Australian App Store in ‘Best New Apps’, answers all five applying, clearly and simply, known principles and facts that enable a pilot at any level of competence and experience to finally and fully understand HOW to make safer and more consistent landings, in any airplane type. The noted increase in pilot competence and confidence is breathtaking.

The Jacobson Flare App for iPad V2.0

Professionally designed, the Jacobson Flare app for iPad is so much more than the simple equivalent of a 330-page book; interactive and inclusive, it totally replaces and greatly enhances successive and widely acclaimed presentations of the original 1987 Jacobson Flare paper, “Where to Flare” and other associated files. 

This updated Version 2.0 of the Jacobson Flare app explores the where, when & how involved in landing an airplane in TWO DISTINCT PRESENTATIONS:
•Designed in LANDSCAPE as an extensively illustrated comprehensive presentation, with            accompanying text; and 
•The Jacobson Flare TREATISE, now re-worked in Landscape and partly illustrated, designed as an e-book, for uninterrupted reading and comprehension of the complete text.

These are best viewed in landscape on at least the screen size of an iPad Mini OR larger iPhone. 

Graphically enhanced HD videos of various airplane types using the same consistent and quantified technique, at a diverse range of locations, highlight the Jacobson Flare app for iPad as a perfect solution to a serious long-term problem for world aviation. Thirty-five years of research and development are reflected in the intuitive design, fine production and attention to detail - just some of the hallmarks of this stylish presentation. 
 
Summary

The Jacobson Flare has been adopted enthusiastically by thousands of pilots in 65 countries.  The convenient digital format on iPad has accelerated industry awareness and acceptance and offers predictable and consistently better landings for those individual pilots, at ANY level of experience, who are always seeking to improve their skill set. 

Perhaps the three best descriptions come from highly experienced professional pilots: “the greatest single advance in flying training in many, many years and represents simple unassailable aerodynamic logic”;  “this is probably what we have all been trying to do all these years”; and “this has the elegant simplicity of the safety pin”. 

Website: www.jacobsonflare.com
Email: info@jacobsonflare.com 

Captain David M Jacobson MAP FRAeS: +61 419 346 336

The Jacobson Flare

## Key features

- Quantifiable landing technique
- Interactive presentations
- HD videos of landings
- Covers 5 key landing questions
- Universal technique for any aircraft
- Enhances pilot competence and confidence

## Recent user reviews (10 of 14)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-jacobson-flare/id881263940/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work on iPad iOS 18.5

*2025-07-18*

For $40 all I can view on the iPad or iPhone is the PDF explanation. There is no calculator as was indicated in the product description. I’m guessing the calculator just won’t run in the current version of iOS? On App Store there’s a flurry of messages that go by in fractions of a second, which I’m unable to read, which I assume our error messages.

I believe Mr. Jacobson‘s concepts are sound, the criticism here is that the app simply does not function as indicated. You’re buying the PDF for $40 and not the calculator which the PDF goes into great detail, describing how to operate.

### 1/5 — This isn’t an app, it’s a pdf.

*2022-04-08*

All I got was a weird pdf of screen shots.

### 5/5 — Great contribution to aviation

*2021-08-12*

This app is fantastic and very well thought out and presented. I am a regional airline pilot and use this technique all the time. Every level of aviation will benefit from this app. Captain Jacobson has really developed a masterpiece with this app, I have it on my iPad and phone. I find myself regularly re reading and absorbing the wealth of information contained within this app. Great work Sir

Take care

**Developer response:** Thank you very much! (and apologies for not responding, earlier) Please feel free to contact me, anytime, via https://www.jacobsonflare.com/contact-captain-david-jacobson/ for any issudes or questions, or even just a discussion.

### 1/5 — Rubbish

*2020-08-05*

Will not teach you anything.you tube vedeos on landings much more useful.

**Developer response:** Hello Steve,

First, I apologise for not seeing your review, earlier.

Second, I'm sorry you haven't been happy with the app. However, I beg to differ: The Jacobson Flare is the MOST PRACTICAL AND CONSISTENT approach and landing training technique yet devised and I am perfectly willing to spend some time with you: email/telephone/Skype/Whatsapp, etc, to contribute to your understanding. 

Third, there is no hurry to get involved in any calculations: In the beginning, I didn't understand the maths, either! The key things to understand are the 5 questions that a pilot must understand, to land any fixed-wing aeroplane consistently well and in the right position on the runway:
1. Where to aim in the first place;
2. How to aim;
3. When to flare;
4. How much to flare; and 
5. How fast to flare; i.e., the flare rate.

I know of very few instructors and not one manual that defines and explains, sensibly, (with mathematical proof), even one of those questions. The Jacobson Flare app defines all 5.
 
Then think of a slender right-angled triangle: the pilot's eye path down final approach is along the hypotenuse (the longest side). Conventionally, we based the so-called 'flare height' on the height of the opposite (vertical) side of that triangle. Now, not only does this height vary for every different aeroplane type, but that dimension is invisible to the pilot. It is, at best, an educated guess, based on judgment, repetition, experience and a wide number of varying factors, involving the pilot, the aircraft and the environmental conditions. No mean feat. In addition, this 'approach profile' triangle is usually drawn in books and on whiteboards, etc, at about 25-30 degrees; the actual angle is just 3 degrees: the significance of this is that any error made in assessing the correct 'flare height' compounds x 20 times, one way or the other, ALONG the runway, causing either a short touchdown or an extended one. That's a huge error.

Before the Jacobson Flare, no one looked at the third side of the triangle. It's the runway centreline and, on sealed runways, is a calibrated ruler (with its centreline markings). When an aeroplane is approaching the runway, and the pilot's aim point, the forward edge of the glare shield (where it intercepts the base of the windshield) is advancing (with the aircraft) along the runway centreline and when the aeroplane reaches the correct flare height, there will be a certain point on the centreline about to pass beneath that point of the aircraft. (By ignoring any visible nose cowling, some useful consistencies can be shared with light twins, sailplanes and jets, where, in most cases, nothing of the aircraft, (forward of the windscreen), is visible. This is a simple visual fix. (If the idea seems slightly familiar, it may be because my inspiration – back in 1965, as a student pilot – was the 1943 RAF 617 Sqn 'Dambusters' operation.)

By defining an initial aim point 1 and a flare cut-off point, and then another aim point 2 (usually at the far, upwind threshold, the entire landing flare manoeuvre can be defined and flown, accurately, consistently and without any guesswork. Moreover, the aim point 1 and the flare cut-off point have only to be calculated once (for each different aircraft type/size. For a typical light aircraft, these points are about 100ft apart). 

Once mastered, the Jacobson Flare can be applied to any subsequent aircraft type, by calculating and possibly re-positioning the aim point 1 and/or the flare cut-off point.

I invite you to review the following link, https://www.jacobsonflare.com/testimonials/ and also, please contact me, at david.jacobson@jacobsonflare.com . I know I can help your understanding of this, as I have countless others, over 30 years.

Just explain the difficulties you have experienced and I will be very pleased to help.

Yours sincerely,

Captain David M Jacobson MAP FRAeS
Australia

### 5/5 — The BEST way to perfect landings every time!

*2020-07-26*

I have read many aviation books that fluff over the landing process

Even the Australian authority, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, in their flight instructor manual describes landing in ways that is nothing more than trial and error, no technique is discussed.

This app addresses it! This app discusses it in pictures and some fantastic videos, and if you really want to get into the nuts and bolts you can deep dive into the calculators and the incredible treatise, where there is even more explanation for you

This will save aviation, that’s a big call but true.
I would recommend this app to every single pilot in the world regardless of what aircraft they fly!

Captain Jacobson has landed us all a great app, thank you. 
You’ve nailed this one!

### 2/5 — Videos don’t work in app

*2020-07-20*

Interesting but how do you get videos to work?  Get nothing but black screen - unsat

### 1/5 — Not working

*2019-12-01*

I’m using Ipad pro, and purchased this app a couple of months ago. It seemed to be working for the first few days but when I tried to open it few days ago, it didn’t respond.

**Developer response:** Hi Sue,

The issue was resolved when Apple released their iOS13.3.1, update recently. However, we have also released the Jacobson Flare version 2.0 for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. This version has been extensively revised, with new content and our new platform provider will prevent the iOS update issue from re-occurring. We invite you to update and enjoy version 2.0. Any questions: just email info@jacobsonflare.com

### 1/5 — Does not support newest iOS

*2019-10-31*

Purchased today and instantly crashed upon opening, then go to their support and they don’t have a fix at this time.  Wish their app said that!

**Developer response:** Hi KP72RN,

Please accept our sincere apologies for the issues you encountered. They were resolved by Apple's iOS 13.3.1 update. We have also changed app platform software providers and this issue should not occur again. Our version 2.0 has just been released, for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. We hope you'll download the update and enjoy the unassailable benefits of using the Jacobson Flare.

### 4/5 — Great technique, confusing explanation

*2019-06-07*

As a student pilot, I’ve spent ~20+ hours learning to land. Before I switched CFIs and my new CFI taught me the Jacobson technique, I was completely perplexed by landings. Mine were inconsistent and sad, despite all the time I sunk into pattern work. Now now! This technique works guys. 

My only criticism is that the app explains the technique (or at least, my understanding of it) in a confusing way. It really just boils down to picking a point on the runway, starting to flare/stare at the end when you pass that point (with rate of flare depending on plane) and profiting. I feel like the level of detail the app goes into about the math muddles the picture a little and makes it hard to grasp the key concepts. So, four stars.

Overall, thanks Mr. Jacobson for putting some science into flying!

**Developer response:** Thank you, Marpha, yes, it does work. 

And yes, at first, the detailed explanation can seem a little daunting. Back in 1985, I was trialling the practical aspects for 2 years, before I figured out the mathematical basis for what I was observing. So you can apply the technique at a very simplistic level. However, to obtain 100% consistency – and to calculate accurate positions for the aim and flare cut-off points, for your NEXT aircraft type, especially as a professional, flying large transport aircraft, a good understanding of the landing flare geometry is considered essential. You don't have to get bogged down in formulae; the calculators do the hard work for you.

Your comments indicate to me that you haven't yet fully understood the technique fully. I would encourage you to refresh your understanding of the entire technique. 
I believe you would benefit from working slowly through the sub-sections in each Chapter, especially Chapter 5: The 4-second flare. This explains the basis of the universal flare rate, suggested as an integral component of the Jacobson Flare.

You are very welcome to email me, via the Contact Details page (3rd last page of the App), with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your feedback.

Captain David M Jacobson MAP FRAeS 
Australia

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2018-01-02*

Another method to instruct students in the art and science of landing.

**Developer response:** Thank you, Maria,

Yes, the landing has been variously described by pilots: some see it solely as an art; others certainly do see it as a science. 

We see the landing as a SKILL: one that can be explained, factually and with logical, unassailable proof. The Jacobson Flare provides a visible framework that enables pilots to confirm what they have been trying to do, for decades, only with an educated guess, judgement, repetition and experiences, none of which can be taught.

## Frequently asked questions about The Jacobson Flare

### What is the Jacobson Flare?

The Jacobson Flare is a quantifiable and consistent landing technique for airplanes, designed to eliminate the imprecision of traditional methods. It addresses key questions about aiming, flaring, and flare rate.

### How does the Jacobson Flare app improve landings?

The app provides interactive presentations and HD videos that clearly explain the principles of the Jacobson Flare. This helps pilots at any level understand how to achieve safer and more consistent landings.

### What are the presentation formats in the Jacobson Flare app?

Version 2.0 offers two distinct presentations: an illustrated comprehensive presentation in landscape mode, and the Jacobson Flare TREATISE, an e-book for uninterrupted reading of the complete text.

### What devices is the Jacobson Flare app compatible with?

The app is designed for iPad and is best viewed in landscape on devices with a screen size of at least an iPad Mini or larger iPhone.

### How much does the Jacobson Flare app cost?

The Jacobson Flare app is a paid application, priced at $49.99. This one-time purchase provides access to the comprehensive landing training material.

### How often is the Jacobson Flare app updated?

The latest version is 100.17.0, and the app was last updated on December 5, 2021. This indicates a history of updates and ongoing development.

### Is the Jacobson Flare app suitable for beginners?

Yes, the app is designed for pilots at any level of competence and experience. It aims to help individuals understand and apply the landing technique consistently.

### Does the Jacobson Flare app have ads?

No, the Jacobson Flare app does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application focused on providing an uninterrupted learning experience for pilots.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 100.17.0 — 2021-12-05

bugfixes and improvements

### 12.0.6 — 2020-05-26

Small improvements and bugfixes

### 12.0.5 — 2020-02-12

The Jacobson Flare V2.0.2 


What's New


A comprehensive update, comprising

* Enhanced diagrams

* Additional topics

- Going around
- Reference Groundspeed technique (RGS)
- Conventional Practice - Summary of the Problem Issues
- Summary of the Advantages of the Jacobson Flare 

* New base software and layout to facilitate future app development

* Videos and operating calculators hosted externally: Now require internet connection

* Removal of bugs

### 1.1.6 — 2017-12-13

- Fixing Help Page error for some iOS 11 device

### 1.1.2 — 2017-10-17

Support iOS 11

We have corrected several minor editorial issues and made some meaningful updates to the following sections:
•Copyright
•Help
•The Objectives;
•Conventional Practice;
•Introducing the Jacobson Flare;
•References;
•Acknowledgments;
•Contact Details and 
•Author Biography

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-01.*