Definition
The round out (also called the flare) is the slow, smooth transition from the descending final approach to a level path just above the runway, accomplished by gradually increasing back pressure on the elevator control to raise the airplane's nose and reduce the rate of descent so the airplane settles onto the runway at minimum speed in the proper landing attitude.
Plain English
Just before touchdown, the pilot gently eases back on the controls to stop the airplane from descending and let it level off a few feet above the runway. The airplane then slows and gently settles onto the wheels.
Context Anchor
You encounter this during the last few seconds of a normal landing, after the airplane is aligned with the runway and close to the surface.
Derivation
Round out' describes the shape of the flightpath: the descending approach line is 'rounded' into a level path, like the curve of a rounded corner. 'Flare' comes from an older sense of the word meaning to spread or open outward, like a flared skirt — the nose rises and the descent path opens out into level flight.
Why Pilots Care
A properly timed round out produces a smooth touchdown, prevents hard landings that stress the landing gear, and reduces the chance of bounces, prop strikes, or runway excursions.
Analogy
It is like easing a bicycle’s front wheel up slightly as you roll over a curb. The goal is not to climb, but to soften the contact and keep control.
Grounding Statement
In the round out, the airplane is still moving forward close to the runway, but the pilot is reducing how fast it is moving downward.
Intuition Check
Do not read “round out” as making a turn or circling. In this landing context, it means smoothing the airplane’s downward path into a flatter path just before touchdown.
Example Sentence 1
As the airplane crossed the runway threshold, the student began the round out, easing back on the yoke to level off about a foot above the surface.
Example Sentence 2
A late flare resulted in a firm landing while an early one caused the airplane to float down the runway.