Definition
The coordinated use of pitch attitude and power to manage the airplane's nose position and its rate of descent during an approach and landing. Pitch attitude is adjusted to control airspeed and the angle at which the airplane meets the runway, while power is adjusted to control how quickly the airplane is sinking toward the ground.
Plain English
It is the pilot's job, especially during landing, to keep the nose pointed at the right angle and to control how fast the airplane is dropping. The pilot does this by working the elevator and the throttle together so the airplane arrives over the runway at the right speed and the right rate of descent.
Context Anchor
Seen in approach and landing training, especially when correcting a high or low approach, practicing power-off approaches, or preparing for touchdown.
Derivation
Attitude originally referred to a position or posture. In aviation, it means the airplane’s position in the air, especially where the nose and wings are pointed compared with the horizon. Sink comes from an older word meaning to fall or go downward, and rate means how much something changes over time.
Why Pilots Care
Correct control prevents hard landings, bounces, and runway excursions while ensuring a stable touchdown point.
Grounding Statement
On final approach, a small change in nose position or power can make the airplane settle faster or slower toward the runway.
Intuition Check
Attitude does not mean the pilot’s mood here; it means the airplane’s nose-and-wing position in the air. Sink rate is not the same as airspeed; it is how fast the airplane is moving downward.
Example Sentence 1
On short final, the instructor reminded the student that smooth attitude and sink rate control would produce a soft touchdown right on the centerline.
Example Sentence 2
On a gusty day the pilot continuously adjusts attitude and power to hold the desired sink rate all the way to the runway.