Definition
A final approach to landing flown over a large body of water, where the lack of visual references between the aircraft and the runway can distort the pilot's perception of height and distance, often producing the illusion of being higher than actual altitude.
Plain English
The last part of a landing where you fly in over open water before reaching the runway. Because water gives your eyes nothing to judge height against, you can feel higher than you really are and end up flying too low.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of optical illusions during landing, especially when approaching a runway near a lake, bay, ocean, or other large body of water.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots may descend too low without realizing it, increasing the risk of controlled flight into water.
Grounding Statement
Picture flying toward a shoreline runway at dusk with smooth water below; without trees, roads, or buildings under you, your eyes have fewer clues for judging height.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as simply any flight over water. In this context, it means the landing approach path goes over water, where the lack of visual features can mislead your height judgment.
Example Sentence 1
On the overwater approach into the coastal airport, the pilot cross-checked the altimeter and glide slope carefully, knowing the smooth water could make the aircraft seem higher than it actually was.
Example Sentence 2
Night training includes practice recognizing when an overwater approach may trigger a false sense of height.