Plain English Meaning

Coming in to land on too shallow a path — flying nearly level toward the runway instead of descending at a proper angle. The airplane skims in low and fast rather than settling onto the runway under control.

Full Definition

Approaches to landing flown at an angle of descent shallower than the recommended glidepath, typically the result of carrying excess power, holding the nose too high, or beginning the descent too late. A flat approach reduces the margin above obstacles and terrain near the runway, lengthens the float in the flare, and often leads to landing long or fast.