Definition
A landing error in which the pilot begins the round out (the transition from descent to level flight just before touchdown) too high above the runway, leaving the airplane suspended above the surface with decaying airspeed and insufficient height for a normal touchdown.
Plain English
Leveling off for landing too far above the runway, so the airplane runs out of speed before the wheels can reach the ground.
Context Anchor
Encountered during landing practice, especially while learning the round out and flare just before touchdown.
Derivation
"Round out" describes the curved flight path the airplane follows as the pilot smoothly changes from a descending approach to a near-level attitude just above the runway. "High" here simply means the maneuver was started too far above the surface.
Why Pilots Care
It risks loss of airspeed, a hard touchdown, or the need for a go-around.
Grounding Statement
Picture leveling off while the runway is still several feet below you: the airplane is no longer descending normally, but it is also not close enough to land.
Intuition Check
High round out does not mean a higher-quality or stronger landing flare. It means the round out was made too far above the runway.
Example Sentence 1
The student began the round out about ten feet above the runway, and the instructor coached him to add a touch of power to prevent a hard landing from the high round out.
Example Sentence 2
A high round out in gusty conditions forced the pilot to add power to avoid settling hard.