Definition
A landing in which the airplane is flown firmly onto the runway with a definite, deliberate contact between the main wheels and the surface, rather than allowed to float or settle gradually. The technique is used to ensure the airplane is committed to the ground, weight is transferred to the wheels, and braking and directional control are immediately effective.
Plain English
Putting the airplane down on the runway with a clear, intentional contact instead of letting it drift or hover just above the surface before touching.
Context Anchor
Encountered during the landing flare and touchdown, especially when discussing how to finish the landing without floating, drifting, or bouncing.
Derivation
‘Positive’ here comes from the Latin positivus, meaning ‘settled’ or ‘definite.’ In aviation it carries the sense of ‘deliberate and unmistakable’ — the opposite of tentative or uncertain.
Why Pilots Care
A positive touchdown prevents floating that can lead to loss of runway or directional control, especially in crosswinds or with excess speed.
Grounding Statement
In a positive touchdown, the wheels make clear, controlled contact with the runway and stay down.
Intuition Check
Positive does not mean harsh or forced here. It means definite and controlled: the wheels make clear contact without a bounce or a slam.
Example Sentence 1
On a short runway, the instructor emphasized a positive touchdown so braking could begin without delay.
Example Sentence 2
In the crosswind landing, the instructor emphasized achieving a positive touchdown before lowering the nosewheel.