Plain English Meaning

The pilot ends up with the wrong mix of height and speed for what they are trying to do — for example, too high and too fast on final approach, or too low and too slow when trying to climb. The airplane has the wrong amount of usable energy at the wrong time.

Full Definition

A pilot input error in which the airplane's total energy state — the combination of altitude (potential energy) and airspeed (kinetic energy) — is mismanaged for the phase of flight, leaving the airplane with too much or too little energy to safely complete the intended maneuver.

Context Anchor

Used in discussions, especially during , , , and when the pilot is judging whether the airplane is high, low, fast, or slow.