Definition
The final phase of a landing, beginning at the moment the main wheels first contact the runway (touchdown) and continuing through the deceleration on the runway surface until the airplane slows to taxi speed (rollout). During this phase the pilot transitions the airplane from flying to ground operation, applying back-pressure on the elevator, lowering the nosewheel under control, maintaining directional control with rudder, and using brakes as needed.
Plain English
The point where the wheels first touch the runway, plus the slowing-down roll that follows, until the airplane is moving slowly enough to taxi.
Context Anchor
Used in landing discussions, especially when learning how to control the airplane after it first meets the runway.
Derivation
Touchdown combines “touch” and “down,” meaning the airplane has come down enough to touch the surface. Rollout comes from “roll out,” meaning to continue rolling forward after landing. Together, the phrase points to the first contact with the runway and the rolling that follows.
Why Pilots Care
This phase determines whether the landing ends safely or results in a runway excursion, loss of control, or damage.
Grounding Statement
The landing is not finished at first wheel contact; the airplane must still be controlled while it rolls on the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “touchdown” means the landing is over. In this phrase, “touchdown and rollout” includes both the first wheel contact and the controlled slowing that follows.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor reminded the student to keep the rudder active throughout touchdown and rollout to stay aligned with the centerline.
Example Sentence 2
Crosswind correction must continue through touchdown and rollout to keep the airplane aligned with the runway centerline.