A landing is often accompanied by a series of abrupt bumps as the wheels hit and bounce on the ground. A "greased landing" is a perfectly executed landing that is so graceful and smooth that there are no bumps or bounces. The pilot lands the aircraft with such precision that the wheels of the plane gently contact the runway in one fluid motion.
This type of flawless landing is referred to as a "greased landing" because of the effect it has on the passengers inside the plane. A greased landing is so gentle and smooth that the passengers are unable to feel the wheels hit the ground or hear any thuds from contact. This smooth landing provides the pilot and the passengers with a sensation of the wheels and road being greased so that you cannot hear or feel the landing.
Many greased landings are executed because the pilot uses excellent judgment in determining the proper deck angle during the landing. To obtain the proper deck angle, pilots must try to reach and maintain the highest possible angle of attack by lifting the wings of the plane as much as possible while avoiding striking the runway with the tail. By doing this, pilots can maximize the lift of the plane so, as they descend, the wheels of the plane can make contact with the runway at the lowest possible speed. Thus, weight is transferred from the wings onto the mains at a much smoother rate at the moment of touchdown, which yields a very elegant and gentle landing.
Many pilots for commercial airlines have friendly competitions with their contemporaries in which the goal is to execute the best greased landing possible. These competitions pose no danger to commercial passengers, however, because pilots are always trying to land smoothly and the competition only further motivates them to make a perfect landing. Additionally, some airlines and pilot organizations maintain records of their professional pilots who have executed the best greased landings. A great touchdown speed of -1 ft/min to -9 ft/min is often required to make the record books.