Definition
A runway whose width is less than the width the pilot is accustomed to seeing on approach. On final, a narrower-than-usual runway projects a smaller image on the pilot's view, creating the visual illusion of being higher than the aircraft actually is, which can lead to a low approach and landing short.
Plain English
A runway that is thinner than the ones you usually land on. Because it looks smaller from the air, your eyes tell you that you are higher than you really are, and you may end up flying the approach too low.
Context Anchor
Seen during visual approaches and instrument training discussions about landing errors caused by optical illusions.
Why Pilots Care
This illusion can cause the pilot to flare too high, resulting in a hard landing, floating down the runway, or landing short.
Grounding Statement
A narrower runway can make the airplane seem higher than it actually is during landing.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a narrower runway is only a size detail. In this context, it is a visual cue that can trick your height judgment on approach.
Example Sentence 1
Briefing the approach into the 50-foot-wide strip, the instructor warned that the narrower runway would make them feel high and tempt them to descend below the proper glide path.
Example Sentence 2
At night the narrower runway made the approach lights appear farther away, prompting the pilot to cross-check the altimeter.