Definition
The transition from a climb or descent to straight-and-level flight at a chosen altitude, accomplished by smoothly adjusting pitch attitude and power so the airplane stops gaining or losing altitude and maintains the target altitude at cruise airspeed.
Plain English
Stopping the climb (or descent) and flying straight at the altitude you wanted to reach.
Context Anchor
Encountered when ending a climb after takeoff, during a practice maneuver, or when reaching an assigned altitude from air traffic control.
Derivation
From 'level' (flat, even) plus 'off' (away from the previous action). The pilot is moving 'off' the climb or descent and onto level flight.
Why Pilots Care
Smooth leveling-off prevents altitude busts, maintains airspeed, reduces passenger discomfort, and avoids the need for corrective maneuvers.
Grounding Statement
Because the airplane is still moving upward, the pilot begins leveling-off slightly before the target altitude, not exactly at it.
Intuition Check
Leveling-off does not mean the airplane instantly becomes level the moment you move the controls. It means beginning a controlled transition so the airplane arrives at level flight at the desired altitude.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching 5,500 feet, the student began leveling-off by lowering the nose and reducing power to cruise setting.
Example Sentence 2
The student practiced leveling-off at pattern altitude to capture 1000 feet without climbing above it.