Definition
An approach pattern flown by a turbine-powered aircraft after engine failure (flameout), designed to position the aircraft over a runway or suitable landing area at an altitude and configuration that allows a power-off, gliding landing.
Plain English
A planned flight path used when a jet engine has quit, so the aircraft can glide down and land safely on a runway without using engine power.
Context Anchor
You may see this term in air traffic control or airport operations material involving military aircraft or high-performance aircraft making an engine-out approach.
Derivation
A 'flameout' is when the flame inside a turbine engine goes out, meaning the engine stops producing thrust. The 'pattern' is the route flown to reach the runway. Together: the route flown after the engine flames out.
Why Pilots Care
Following the correct flameout pattern gives the pilot the best chance of reaching the runway with proper speed and altitude for a safe landing instead of crashing short or overshooting.
Grounding Statement
Picture an aircraft high over the airport, engine power gone, circling down in a controlled path so it can arrive over the runway with enough height and speed to land.
Intuition Check
Do not read “flameout” as an engine fire. In this term, it means the engine’s flame has gone out and the engine is not producing normal power.
Example Sentence 1
After the engine flamed out, the pilot turned toward the airfield and set up a flameout pattern to glide in for landing.
Example Sentence 2
During training the student flew the full flameout pattern from 8,000 feet down to a successful touchdown on the runway.