Definition
The phase of landing that begins the moment the airplane's wheels are firmly on the runway and ends when the airplane has slowed to taxi speed or come to a stop. During the rollout the pilot maintains directional control with rudder and brakes, applies aerodynamic and wheel braking as appropriate, and keeps the elevator positioned to manage weight on the nosewheel.
Plain English
The part of a landing after the wheels are down, while the airplane is still rolling along the runway and slowing to a safe taxi speed.
Context Anchor
Encountered during after-landing procedures, especially when discussing runway control, braking, and clearing the runway after touchdown.
Derivation
"Rollout" comes from the simple idea of the airplane rolling out along the runway after touchdown. Pairing it with "landing" marks it as the rolling portion of the landing — distinct from the approach, flare, and touchdown that come before it.
Why Pilots Care
Maintaining directional control and proper braking during this phase prevents runway excursions and ensures a safe transition to taxi.
Intuition Check
Do not treat landing rollout as the same thing as touchdown. Touchdown is the moment the wheels meet the runway; landing rollout is the rolling and slowing period after that moment.
Example Sentence 1
During the landing rollout, the pilot held aileron into the wind and used gentle braking to slow the airplane.
Example Sentence 2
Smooth brake application throughout the landing rollout helps the airplane stop within the remaining runway distance.