happy landings

singular happy landing

1. especiallypluralplural normallyaeronauticsSuccessful arrivals on land (by air or water), without any untoward incidents.

   We want our airplane pilots to anticipate failed engines as well as happy landings.

   2009, Barbara Ehrenreich, Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America, →ISBN, page 198

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   Happy landings: every minute of every hour of every day, an average of 38 people touch down at Orlando airport, gateway to the centre of the Sunshine State.

   2017 January 20, Simon Calder, “Discover the other side of Florida – Kissimmee”, in Independent, UK, retrieved 05 Jun 2018

2. broadlyidiomaticpluralplural normallySuccessful outcome or outcomes.

   But one set of Washington policies is all happy landings: the Government's campaign to stop skyjackers is working.

   1973 June 18, “American Notes: Eureka! Something Works!”, in Time, retrieved 05 Jun 2018

   1 more example

   He missed much of his senior year, drifted, but finally graduated. He hasn't gone to college and realizes now that he wants that experience. […] Some of these stories have happy landings.

   2002, Andrea Van Steenhouse, Empty Nest...Full Heart: The Journey from Home to College, →ISBN, page 47