Definition
A landing approach flown with engine power maintained throughout the descent, rather than reducing the throttle to idle. Power is used together with pitch attitude to control the descent path and airspeed, allowing a flatter, more controlled approach with better response to gusts and wind shifts.
Plain English
An approach where the pilot keeps the engine producing thrust all the way down to the runway, instead of gliding in with the throttle closed. Power and pitch are adjusted together to manage how steeply the airplane descends and how fast it is going.
Context Anchor
Used during landing training and especially during approaches in gusty or turbulent air.
Derivation
"Power-on" indicates engine power is applied (as opposed to power-off glide); "approach" refers to the final descent to landing. The phrase highlights the deliberate choice to use thrust for control rather than relying solely on gravity and momentum.
Why Pilots Care
In turbulence, a power-on approach keeps air flowing over the wings and control surfaces at a more consistent rate, reducing the chance of a sudden stall or loss of directional control.
Intuition Check
“Power-on” does not mean full power or climbing away from the runway. It means keeping some useful engine power in while still descending to land.
Example Sentence 1
Because of the gusty crosswind, the instructor recommended a power-on approach to give better control over the descent rate.
Example Sentence 2
Using a power-on approach in turbulence allowed the pilot to keep the airspeed steady without excessive pitch changes.