Which maneuver is used to simulate the conditions encountered during a normal landing approach?

The power-off stall maneuver is utilized to simulate the conditions experienced during a normal landing approach. This maneuver involves reducing the power to idle, allowing the aircraft to descend at a rate that mimics what happens during an actual landing approach. As the pilot decreases power, they must maintain control of the aircraft while managing descent rate and airspeed, which closely reflects the approach phase of landing.

In this scenario, the objective is to observe how the aircraft behaves at low altitude, slow airspeed, and with minimal power, which is critical for understanding stall characteristics during landing. The power-off stall demonstrates how to recognize and recover from a stall condition that could occur if the aircraft is not managed properly during the landing phase. This is essential knowledge for a pilot, as it enhances situational awareness and improves safety during landings.

The other options do not relate specifically to the landing approach. A power-on stall is focused on simulating climb conditions, a cross-control stall addresses improper control inputs during maneuvers, and a soft field takeoff involves techniques for lifting off from a soft surface, rather than handling a landing approach scenario.