Definition
A reference point on a power-off approach to landing, located on the downwind leg abeam a spot 45 degrees behind the intended touchdown point, at which the pilot reduces power to idle and begins the descending approach. It serves as the planned position for initiating the power-off glide that will carry the airplane through the base and final legs to the runway.
Plain English
It is the spot on the downwind leg where the pilot pulls the power back to idle and starts the glide down to land. From here, the pilot judges the rest of the approach without using engine power.
Context Anchor
Used during the FAA 90° power-off approach maneuver, just before or during the turn from base toward the runway.
Derivation
The name comes from the angle between the airplane's position on downwind and the intended touchdown point. When the touchdown spot lies 45 degrees behind the wing, the pilot is at the 'key' position — the place where the key decision (power to idle, begin descent) is made.
Why Pilots Care
It gives the pilot a reliable visual cue to decide whether altitude, airspeed, and glide path are correct for a safe landing without engine power.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane on base with the chosen touchdown spot off to the side at roughly half of a right angle; from there, the pilot should be able to glide through the turn and reach the runway.
Intuition Check
The 45° does not mean a 45-degree bank angle, and it does not mean the airplane must turn exactly 45 degrees. It describes the airplane’s position in relation to the intended landing point.
Example Sentence 1
Abeam the intended landing spot, the student continued downwind until reaching the 45° key position, then reduced power to idle and began the descent.
Example Sentence 2
At the 45° key position the instructor asked the student to confirm they had enough altitude to reach the runway with the current wind.