Definition
A position during a visual approach in which the aircraft is higher than the published or indicated descent path to the runway threshold. On a standard two-bar VASI, this condition is shown when both light bars appear white.
Plain English
The aircraft is too high for the planned descent toward the runway. The visual approach lights are telling the pilot to come down to get back on the correct path.
Context Anchor
Seen on final approach, especially when using a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) beside the runway.
Derivation
Glidepath combines “glide,” meaning smooth movement through the air, and “path,” meaning a route or course. In aviation, it means the intended sloping route an airplane follows down toward the runway.
Why Pilots Care
Remaining above glidepath may require a steeper descent later, increasing the chance of a hard landing or runway overrun.
Grounding Statement
Picture the normal approach path as a sloping line down to the runway; above glidepath means the airplane is flying over that line.
Intuition Check
Above glidepath does not simply mean high above the ground. It means higher than the planned descent path to the runway.
Example Sentence 1
Seeing both VASI bars white, the pilot recognized they were above glidepath and reduced power to descend back onto the correct path.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor advised reducing power slightly to correct from above glidepath back to the proper angle.