Definition
The transition from the final approach descent to a level path just above the runway, performed by smoothly increasing back pressure on the controls so the airplane's descent slows and the aircraft is positioned a few feet above the surface in the correct landing attitude. The round out blends the descent into the flare and touchdown phase.
Plain English
It's the smooth pull-up at the end of the approach that stops the airplane from descending into the runway and lets it skim along just above it, ready to settle onto the wheels.
Context Anchor
Encountered during landing practice, especially when learning tailwheel three-point landings.
Derivation
Round out' describes the shape of the flight path: instead of a straight line continuing into the ground, the path curves -- it 'rounds' from a descent into level flight. 'Level-off' simply names the result -- the airplane stops descending and flies level for a moment before touchdown.
Why Pilots Care
Proper timing and execution prevent hard landings, ballooning, or floating that can lead to runway overruns or loss of directional control.
Intuition Check
“Round out” does not mean turning the airplane in a circle. “Level-off” does not mean climbing away. Here, the phrase means smoothly changing from descending toward the runway to flying nearly level just above it.
Example Sentence 1
She began the round out at about ten feet above the runway, easing back on the yoke until the airplane was flying level just above the surface.
Example Sentence 2
During a three-point landing the round out must be timed so the main wheels and tailwheel contact the surface together.