Definition
A landing flare that is held longer than normal, in which the pilot continues to raise the nose and bleed off airspeed close to the runway while waiting for the airplane to touch down. An extended flare typically results from carrying excess airspeed into the round-out, causing the airplane to float above the runway until enough energy dissipates for the wheels to settle on.
Plain English
When the airplane is going too fast as it nears the runway, it doesn't want to land. The pilot ends up holding it just above the ground for longer than usual, waiting for it to slow down enough to settle onto the wheels.
Context Anchor
Encountered during landing discussions, especially when learning how approach speed affects touchdown point and landing distance.
Derivation
"Flare" in landing terminology refers to the nose-up pitch change just before touchdown, named for the way the flight path "flares" or curves outward to become parallel with the runway. "Extended" simply means stretched out in time or distance — so the flare lasts longer than it should.
Why Pilots Care
It prevents floating or runway overrun by safely reducing speed without forcing the aircraft onto the ground prematurely.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane a few feet above the runway, not climbing and not touching down, while runway keeps passing underneath.
Intuition Check
Do not read “extended flare” as a deliberate extra-long landing technique. In this context, it usually means the flare is lasting too long because the airplane has too much speed or power.
Example Sentence 1
She came across the threshold ten knots fast, and the result was an extended flare that used up most of the remaining runway before the wheels finally touched.
Example Sentence 2
On a long runway with excess speed, an extended flare allowed a smooth touchdown at the desired point.