Definition
The final leg of the airport traffic pattern. It is the straight portion of the approach flown along the extended centerline of the runway, from the end of the base leg to touchdown, during which the aircraft is descending and aligned with the landing runway.
Plain English
The straight-in portion of the landing pattern, lined up with the runway, where the aircraft is on its last descent before touchdown.
Context Anchor
Used when describing traffic pattern position, landing approaches, and radio calls near an airport.
Derivation
Final' comes from Latin finis, meaning 'end.' 'Leg' is used here in the sense of one segment of a journey. Together: the last segment of the traffic pattern before landing.
Why Pilots Care
Errors on the final leg are a leading cause of runway misalignment, hard landings, and go-arounds; staying stabilized here is essential for safety.
Intuition Check
Final leg does not mean the last part of the entire flight in a general sense. In pattern work, it means the specific straight segment lined up with the runway just before landing.
Example Sentence 1
After turning from base, the pilot reported 'on final for runway 18' and began the last descent toward the threshold.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor reminded the student to keep the aircraft stabilized throughout the entire final leg.