Definition
An unstabilized landing approach in which the airplane is flown below the recommended approach airspeed, requiring a higher pitch attitude and increased power to maintain the glidepath. The reduced airspeed places the airplane closer to the stall, decreases control effectiveness, lengthens the flare and float, and increases the risk of a hard landing or stall during the roundout if power is reduced too soon.
Plain English
A landing approach flown too slowly. The airplane is nose-high, hanging on the engine, and close to stalling. Small mistakes during the roundout can cause it to drop hard onto the runway or stall before touchdown.
Context Anchor
Encountered during landing training, especially when judging airspeed and glidepath on final approach.
Derivation
“Final” comes from a word meaning “last,” and “approach” means coming nearer to something. In aviation, final approach is the last part of the path to the runway before landing. “Slow” here means slower than the proper landing approach speed, not just calm or unhurried.
Why Pilots Care
Permits safe landings on short or obstructed runways by reducing the distance needed to touch down and stop.
Grounding Statement
If the airplane is too slow on final, it may not have enough extra flying speed left to handle a gust, a correction, or an increased descent rate safely.
Intuition Check
Do not read “slow” here as simply “careful” or “controlled.” A slow final approach means the airplane is below the proper approach speed and may be unsafe.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor pointed out that the high pitch attitude and heavy use of power were signs of a slow final approach, and asked the student to add a few knots and re-trim.
Example Sentence 2
On a calm day with a short grass strip ahead, the pilot flew a slow final approach to minimize rollout distance.