Plain English Meaning

Using parts of the airplane itself — like the landing gear or flaps — to create extra drag and slow the airplane down, instead of using engine power or wheel brakes.

Full Definition

The use of an aircraft's own surfaces or configuration changes to deliberately increase drag, slowing the airplane or limiting its acceleration during a descent. In an emergency descent, this commonly involves extending the landing gear, deploying flaps (within their limit speeds), or using spoilers/speed brakes if installed.

Context Anchor

Seen in emergency descent procedures, especially when the pilot needs to come down quickly while keeping airspeed under control.