Definition
The minimum safe airspeed at which an aircraft touches down during landing. For a given aircraft configuration, it is closely related to the stalling speed in the landing configuration (flaps and gear extended) and is typically a small margin above that stall speed.
Plain English
The speed the aircraft is moving through the air when its wheels first touch the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen in landing performance discussions, especially when estimating landing distance before choosing or using a runway.
Why Pilots Care
It directly influences the required landing distance and is a key factor in determining safe runway length for operations.
Grounding Statement
A small increase in speed during landing can cause a much larger increase in the distance needed to stop.
Intuition Check
Do not read landing speed as just any speed while near the airport. In this performance context, it means the speed used for the landing itself, where it directly affects landing distance.
Example Sentence 1
On a hot, high-altitude day the true landing speed is higher than at sea level, so the pilot planned for a longer rollout.
Example Sentence 2
Using a higher landing speed on a contaminated runway increases the distance needed to stop.