Definition
A landing roll technique in which the pilot holds the nose of the airplane high after the main wheels touch down, using the wing's drag and the elevator's deflected surface to slow the airplane before lowering the nose and applying the wheel brakes.
Plain English
After landing, the pilot keeps the nose up so the wings and raised tail surface push against the air and help slow the airplane down before using the wheel brakes.
Context Anchor
Used during the landing roll just after touchdown, especially when the pilot is managing speed, brake use, and nosewheel lowering.
Derivation
Aerodynamic comes from the Greek 'aer' (air) and 'dynamis' (force or power) -- literally, force from moving air. Braking is the act of slowing down. So the term means slowing the airplane using forces from the air, rather than from the wheels.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces brake wear and heat buildup while shortening the landing roll, which improves safety on short or contaminated runways.
Grounding Statement
Picture the main wheels on the runway while the nose is still slightly up, with the moving air pushing against the airplane and helping it slow down.
Intuition Check
Aerodynamic braking does not mean using the wheel brakes. It means using air resistance and airplane attitude to help slow the airplane.
Example Sentence 1
After the main wheels touched down, the instructor held the nose high to use aerodynamic braking before easing the nosewheel onto the runway.
Example Sentence 2
On a short runway the instructor demonstrated aerodynamic braking by raising the nose slightly during the rollout to help the airplane stop sooner.