Definition
An energy state in which the airplane has both excess altitude (potential energy) and excess airspeed (kinetic energy) relative to what is needed for the current phase of flight. It is the most energy-rich of the four basic energy error states and typically requires the pilot to dissipate energy through configuration changes, reduced power, or a flight path that trades and then sheds energy.
Plain English
The airplane is too high and too fast at the same time for what you are trying to do next. You have more energy than the situation calls for and need to get rid of some.
Context Anchor
Seen when managing energy on descent, base-to-final, or final approach, where altitude and airspeed must both be under control.
Why Pilots Care
This energy state often leads to a rushed or unstable approach unless corrected with coordinated power and configuration changes rather than abrupt maneuvers.
Grounding Statement
Higher-and-faster means excess height plus excess speed at the same time.
Intuition Check
Do not read higher-and-faster as automatically better or safer. In this context it means the airplane has too much energy for the planned point in the flight.
Example Sentence 1
Crossing the final approach fix higher-and-faster than planned, the pilot extended flaps and reduced power to bleed off the excess energy before the runway threshold.
Example Sentence 2
A higher-and-faster state on base leg usually requires a longer final approach segment so the aircraft can settle into the proper glide path and speed.