Plain English Meaning

How the airplane is currently 'set up' for a phase of flight — gear up or down, flaps in or out, and so on. Changing configuration means changing one of those settings.

Full Definition

The current physical setting of an airplane's movable components that affect its aerodynamic performance — primarily the position of the landing gear, flaps, slats, spoilers, and sometimes cowl flaps or speed brakes. A configuration change means moving one or more of these from one setting to another (for example, extending flaps or lowering the gear).

Context Anchor

Used during approach and landing discussions, especially when deciding whether the airplane is stable and ready to continue toward the runway.