Definition
Deviations from a desired flightpath caused by mismanagement of the airplane's combined kinetic energy (airspeed) and potential energy (altitude). A total energy error occurs when the sum of these energies is too high or too low for the intended flight condition, requiring a power change to correct rather than a pitch change alone.
Plain English
The airplane has too much or too little overall energy — meaning its combination of speed and altitude doesn't match what the situation calls for. Fixing it requires adjusting thrust, not just raising or lowering the nose.
Context Anchor
Used in energy management discussions, especially when correcting an airplane that is high and fast, low and slow, or otherwise not matching the intended flight path.
Derivation
"Total energy" refers to the sum of two physics quantities: kinetic energy (energy of motion, shown as airspeed) and potential energy (energy of position, shown as altitude). Calling the error "total" emphasizes that both must be considered together, not separately.
Why Pilots Care
Uncorrected total energy errors produce unstable approaches, excessive speed on touchdown, or insufficient energy to reach the runway safely.
Grounding Statement
If you are high and fast on approach, the airplane has too much total energy for that point in the flight.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a total energy error as only an airspeed mistake or only an altitude mistake. It is the combined height-and-speed condition of the airplane being too high or too low for the situation.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach the student was high and fast, so the instructor pointed out the total energy error and had her reduce power and add drag rather than just push the nose down.
Example Sentence 2
Recognizing total energy errors early in the pattern allowed the pilot to adjust the base leg turn and avoid an overshoot on final.