What is typically followed during the 'approach to landing' step?

During the 'approach to landing' step, following a traffic pattern around the airport is a common procedure. This pattern serves as a structured route that aircraft follow as they approach a runway for landing. It typically consists of several segments including downwind, base, and final approach legs, allowing for orderly arrivals and maintaining separation between aircraft.

By flying a traffic pattern, pilots can ensure that they are aligned appropriately with the runway while also allowing air traffic control to manage multiple aircraft safely. This method helps prevent conflicts with other traffic and ensures that the aircraft is in the correct position for landing.

The other choices represent aspects of the landing process, but they do not encompass the systematic approach to maintaining safety and organization in aircraft landings like the traffic pattern does.