Definition 1 of 2
Definition
The flare is the final phase of a normal landing in which the pilot smoothly raises the airplane's nose to progressively reduce the rate of descent and slow the airplane so it touches down on the main wheels at minimum safe airspeed, in a slightly nose-high attitude.
Plain English
Just before the wheels touch the runway, the pilot gently eases the nose up. This slows the airplane and softens the descent so it settles onto the runway instead of slamming into it.
Context Anchor
You encounter this during the last few feet of a normal landing, after the approach and just before the wheels touch the runway.
Derivation
From the everyday word 'flare,' meaning to spread or curve outward. The aircraft's flight path 'flares out' from a descending line into one nearly parallel to the runway, hence the name.
Why Pilots Care
A properly timed flare prevents hard landings that can damage the landing gear, cause bounces, or lead to loss of directional control.
Intuition Check
“Flare” does not mean a bright signal light here. In landing, it means the final nose-up action that slows the airplane’s downward motion before touchdown.
Example Sentence 1
As the airplane crossed the runway threshold, the student began the flare to slow the descent and set up for a gentle touchdown.
Example Sentence 2
In gusty conditions the flare must be held slightly longer to keep the nose from dropping too soon.