Definition
A runway whose width is greater than the pilot is accustomed to, which during a visual approach can create the optical illusion that the aircraft is lower than it actually is, often leading the pilot to fly a higher-than-normal approach and risk a hard or long landing.
Plain English
A runway that is wider than what you usually fly into. Because it looks bigger up close, your eyes can fool you into thinking you're too low, so you tend to flare too high.
Context Anchor
Seen in landing discussions about optical illusions, especially when approaching an unfamiliar airport or a runway much wider than the one used in training.
Why Pilots Care
The illusion can cause an early flare, a high round-out, or an unstable approach that increases the chance of a hard landing or runway excursion.
Grounding Statement
A wider runway can trick your eyes into thinking the airplane is lower than it really is.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a wider runway is just easier because there is more room. In this context, “wider runway” matters because its shape can mislead your judgment of height during landing.
Example Sentence 1
Briefing the approach into the large international airport, the instructor reminded the student that the wider runway might make her flare too high.
Example Sentence 2
At night, a wider runway can create the false sense that the aircraft is lower than it actually is, so the pilot cross-checked the altimeter.