True or False: A high sink rate during a final approach can lead to a stall or hard landing.

A high sink rate during the final approach can indeed lead to a stall or hard landing. When the aircraft descends rapidly, the lift generated by the wings can become insufficient to counteract the weight of the aircraft, especially if the descent rate exceeds the aircraft's capability to maintain controlled flight.

If the sink rate is too high at the moment of touchdown, it can result in a hard landing, which may cause structural damage to the aircraft and can jeopardize the safety of the occupants. Moreover, if the sink rate is excessive and the pilot does not react promptly, it can lead to an aerodynamic stall. This occurs when the angle of attack becomes too steep, causing the airflow over the wings to separate and leading to a loss of lift.

The implications of managing sink rate are critical in aviation, particularly during the critical phases of flight such as landing. Pilots must be trained to recognize appropriate descent rates and manage them to ensure a safe arrival.