Definition
A landing fault in which the airplane contacts the runway, rebounds back into the air, and must be re-landed. It is typically caused by touching down at an excessive descent rate, with too much airspeed, or in an improper pitch attitude, so that the landing gear's elastic energy and any residual lift propel the aircraft upward off the surface.
Plain English
The airplane hits the runway too hard or in the wrong attitude, springs back up into the air, and then has to land again.
Context Anchor
Encountered during landing practice, especially in the last moments of landing when the airplane first contacts the runway.
Why Pilots Care
A bounce removes the pilot’s ability to control the aircraft’s descent path and can quickly turn into a more dangerous porpoising oscillation or runway excursion if not corrected immediately.
Grounding Statement
A bounce means the landing is not finished yet—the airplane has touched down but is flying again, even if only briefly.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a bounce as just a rough or uncomfortable landing. In this context, it means the airplane has actually lifted off the runway again after touching down.
Example Sentence 1
After bouncing during touchdown, the student added a small amount of power, held the proper landing attitude, and settled the airplane back onto the runway.
Example Sentence 2
By holding the nose up after the main wheels settled, the instructor prevented any bouncing during touchdown.