Definition
The transition phase at the end of a landing approach in which the pilot smoothly changes the airplane's pitch attitude from the descent angle to a nose-slightly-high, level attitude just above the runway, slowing the descent so the airplane settles gently onto the runway as airspeed decreases.
Plain English
The smooth pull-up just before touchdown, where you stop descending toward the runway and level off a few feet above it so the airplane can settle softly onto the wheels instead of slamming down.
Context Anchor
Encountered in landing technique and in weight-and-balance discussions, because the airplane’s loading can affect how much control force is needed to raise the nose during landing.
Derivation
The phrase comes from the shape of the maneuver: the airplane's path 'rounds out' from a straight-line descent into a gentle curve that flattens parallel to the runway. The verb 'round out' has long meant to make something curved or smooth, which describes exactly what the airplane's flight path does at this moment.
Why Pilots Care
A correctly timed round out prevents hard landings, bounces, prop strikes, and runway overruns, especially when the airplane is heavier than normal.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane a few feet above the runway, easing from a downward path into a smooth, nearly level path before the wheels touch.
Intuition Check
Landing round out does not mean turning the airplane or making the landing area round. It means smoothing the airplane’s flight path from descent toward level just before touchdown.
Example Sentence 1
On short final, the student began the round out a little too high, and the airplane settled firmly onto the runway.
Example Sentence 2
With the airplane near maximum landing weight, the pilot had to start the round out slightly higher to avoid a firm touchdown.