Definition
An energy state in which the airplane is below the desired altitude and above the desired airspeed for a given point in the flightpath, typically the approach. It represents an excess of kinetic energy and a deficit of potential energy relative to the planned profile, and is corrected by trading airspeed back into altitude or by adding power if both altitude and airspeed need to be regained.
Plain English
The airplane is too low and going too fast for where it should be on the approach. There is more speed than needed but not enough height.
Context Anchor
Seen in energy-management discussions, especially when judging whether an approach or maneuver is on the desired path and speed.
Why Pilots Care
This state can lead to landing short or an unstable approach if power and pitch are not coordinated correctly to restore the proper energy balance.
Intuition Check
Do not read lower-and-faster as just a casual description. In this context, it means a specific energy error: below the desired path while above the desired speed.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach the student noticed they were lower-and-faster than planned, so they reduced power and pitched up slightly to climb back onto the glidepath while bleeding off the extra speed.
Example Sentence 2
An instructor called out the lower-and-faster condition so the student could adjust before the approach became unstable.