Definition
A planned vertical and horizontal flight path, with associated airspeeds, configurations, and power settings, that the pilot flies from the start of the approach through touchdown. It defines target altitudes, descent rates, flap and gear positions, and reference speeds at each stage of the approach and landing.
Plain English
It is the pilot's pre-planned picture of how the airplane should fly from the approach down to the runway, including how high, how fast, and in what configuration it should be at each point.
Context Anchor
Used when discussing how to set up and monitor the airplane during the final part of a flight, especially to recognize when the approach is not stable or safe to continue.
Derivation
Profile comes from an older word meaning an outline or side view. That helps here because the term describes the overall shape and sequence of the airplane’s path and setup as it approaches and lands.
Why Pilots Care
Following the correct profile keeps the approach stabilized, which reduces the chance of runway excursions or the need for a go-around.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane on final approach: it should be descending along a predictable path, at a controlled speed, with the proper power and landing setup.
Intuition Check
Do not read profile as just a drawing or a general description. In this context, it means the planned flying pattern and airplane setup used to make a safe approach and landing.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the descent, the pilot reviewed the approach and landing profile, noting the target altitudes, flap settings, and airspeeds for each segment.
Example Sentence 2
Deviating from the approach and landing profile resulted in an unstable approach and a go-around.