Definition
An automatic system installed in some turbine aircraft that signals the pilot, by visual or aural means, when to begin the landing flare. The prompt is generated based on the aircraft's height above the runway, sensed by a radio altimeter, so the pilot rotates the nose up at the correct moment to arrest the descent for touchdown.
Plain English
A built-in cue that tells the pilot exactly when to start raising the nose just before touchdown, so the landing is smooth and at the right point on the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen in landing guidance, flight director, autoland, simulator, and training discussions.
Derivation
"Flare" in aviation refers to the gentle nose-up maneuver just before touchdown, named for its visual resemblance to the flared shape of a trumpet bell — a smooth, expanding curve. "Prompt" comes from the Latin promptus, meaning "ready" or "brought forward," and here means a cue delivered at the right moment.
Why Pilots Care
Correct timing of the flare prevents hard landings, bounced landings, and runway excursions.
Intuition Check
A flare prompt is not the flare itself. It is the signal or cue telling the pilot when to begin the flare.
Example Sentence 1
As we crossed the threshold, the flare prompt sounded and I smoothly raised the nose to set the mains down on the centerline.
Example Sentence 2
Without a flare prompt the new pilot held the descent too long and touched down firmly.