Definition
A precision accuracy landing maneuver in which the pilot reduces engine power to idle abeam a preselected touchdown point on the downwind leg, then flies a continuous 180-degree descending turn through base and final to land on or beyond that point without adding power. The pilot manages glide path entirely by adjusting bank, pattern width, flap setting, and the use of slips, with no further use of power.
Plain English
You pull the throttle to idle next to your chosen landing spot, then glide all the way around — turning base, then final — and land right where you planned, without using the engine again.
Context Anchor
Used in power-off accuracy landing practice, especially when learning how to judge glide distance, turn timing, and landing spot control without relying on engine power.
Derivation
Named for what the airplane actually does: a 180-degree turn from downwind to landing, flown with the power off (engine at idle).
Why Pilots Care
Develops the judgment and energy management skills needed for safe emergency landings after an engine failure.
Grounding Statement
Picture being beside your chosen landing spot, reducing power to idle, and gliding in a smooth half-circle until the airplane is lined up to land.
Intuition Check
“Power-off” does not usually mean the engine is turned off. In this maneuver, it means the throttle is at idle and the pilot is not using engine power to stretch the glide.
Example Sentence 1
Abeam the touchdown point, she pulled the throttle to idle and began her 180° power-off approach, planning to use one notch of flaps on base.
Example Sentence 2
During the checkride, the examiner requested a 180° power-off approach to a spot landing on the runway.