Definition
Airspeed on final approach that is higher than the recommended target approach speed for the airplane's configuration and weight. Excess approach speed lengthens the landing flare, increases float distance down the runway, and extends total landing distance, often resulting in a touchdown beyond the intended point or a runway overrun.
Plain English
Coming in too fast on final. The airplane carries more energy than it should, so it floats further before settling onto the runway and uses up more runway to stop.
Context Anchor
Encountered during final approach and landing discussions, especially when learning why an airplane floats, lands long, or needs a go-around.
Derivation
Excess comes from a Latin idea meaning “to go beyond.” Approach means the part of flight where the airplane is coming toward the runway to land. Together, the phrase means speed that goes beyond the proper speed for the landing approach.
Why Pilots Care
It increases float distance after flare, extends landing rollout, and raises the chance of running off the end of the runway.
Intuition Check
Faster does not automatically mean safer on approach. In this context, excess speed means extra energy that must be used up before the airplane can land and stop normally.
Example Sentence 1
She recognized the excess approach speed crossing the threshold and went around rather than risk floating halfway down the runway.
Example Sentence 2
Carrying excess approach speed on a short runway forced a go-around.