Plain English Meaning

A landing where the airplane ends up on the runway in one piece, under control, with everyone unhurt. It does not have to be smooth — it has to be safe.

Full Definition

A landing in which the aircraft touches down within the usable runway environment, on the intended surface, with the airplane under control, at an appropriate airspeed and attitude, with no damage to the aircraft and no injury to occupants. A safe landing is judged by the outcome and the controllability of the approach and touchdown — not by how smooth or graceful the touchdown felt.

Context Anchor

Used during landing instruction when deciding whether to continue the landing, correct it, or climb away and try again.

Derivation

Safe comes from an older word meaning unharmed or free from danger. Landing comes from bringing something to land. Together, the term points to the real : not a pretty touchdown, but getting the aircraft onto the without damage, injury, or .