Definition
An air traffic control instruction directing a pilot to alter the traffic pattern so as to make a short final approach to the runway. The pilot is expected to tighten the pattern, shorten the downwind leg, and turn base and final earlier than would normally occur.
Plain English
ATC is telling the pilot to cut the traffic pattern in close and land sooner than usual, rather than flying the full-sized rectangular pattern.
Context Anchor
Heard from a tower controller when aircraft are being arranged in order to land at an airport.
Why Pilots Care
Requires prompt adjustment of speed, configuration, and descent to keep the approach stabilized on a shorter final.
Intuition Check
Do not read “short” as “rushed.” It means a shorter flight path to the runway, not an unsafe or hurried landing.
Example Sentence 1
Tower instructed the Cessna to make short approach to runway 27 to allow a faster aircraft to land behind.
Example Sentence 2
The student was cleared to make short approach so a departing aircraft could use the runway right after landing.