Skip to main content
Aviation glossary

Total Energy Error

What is total energy error?

FAA handbook figure illustrating total energy error

A total energy error occurs when an airplane has too much or too little combined energy, causing altitude and airspeed to both deviate in the same direction at the same time — for example, being both higher and faster than intended on approach.

Studying for an FAA written test?

Terms like total energy error show up on the FAA knowledge test. Study them in context with ACS-aligned practice questions, AI explanations, and the cited FAA handbook reference behind every answer — free to start.

Learn more in the library

Related terms

Browse the full glossary →