Version 3: “Touchdown Zone” vs. Earliest and Latest Touchdown Points (Acceptable Touchdown Range)

Introduction

Welcome to American Northwest Aviation! I'm Danny, and before we dive into today's topic, I'd like to introduce a crucial diagram that will appear later in this presentation. This diagram is paramount for understanding the touchdown and landing standards, specifically the 750 ft of runway zone you're supposed to land within. We'll explore this in detail later.

Understanding the Touchdown Zone

In aviation terminology, the touchdown zone can be confusing due to the different definitions provided by different authorities. The FAA's Pilot/Controller Glossary defines the touchdown zone as the first 3,000 ft of the runway beginning at the threshold. However, for ICAO, it's the part of the runway where aircraft are intended to first make contact with the runway.

In Section 3 of the AIM (Airport Marking Aids and Signs), we learn about Runway Touchdown Zone markers. These identify the touchdown zone and provide distance information in 500 ft increments with groups of one, two, or three rectangular bars arranged about the runway centerline. For runways with markings on both ends, any markers extending within 900 ft of the midpoint are eliminated.

Key Definitions and Diagrams

The discrepancy in definitions between regulatory bodies necessitates a closer look at the FAA's Airman Certification Standards (ACS). We'll also delve into how this relates to actual landing practices, especially for ATP standards.

The ACS Document

You can access the Airman Certification Standards document from faa.gov. Specifically, our focus is on operation three: takeoffs and landings, and task B, which covers the normal approach and landing.

According to S10 in the ACS, you should touchdown within a 750 ft range starting at 250 ft before the aiming point markers to 500 ft after them where runway markings exist. For unmarked runways, this expands to 750 to 1,500 ft from the approach threshold of the runway.

Practical Application

Using a diagram of runway 16 Center at Sea-Tac in Seattle, we can visualize our acceptable touchdown zone. The distance from the runway threshold to the aiming point markers is 1,000 ft, and from the aiming point markers to the next set of fixed distance markers is another 500 ft. Thus, the acceptable touchdown range is from 250 ft before the aiming point markers to 500 ft after them—750 ft in total.

The same principle can be applied to non-precision runways, but since these lack specific markers, pilots must estimate the 750 ft zone from the runway's threshold.

Critical Skills for the Pilot

Various skills are necessary, from coordinating with the crew and completing appropriate checklists to maintaining a correct approach speed and using crosswind correction techniques. Also vital is knowing when to go around and abort the landing if the criteria are not met to ensure a safe landing.

Checklist of Skills

1. Coordinate with the crew.
2. Complete the appropriate checklists.
3. Make timely radio calls.
4. Maintain the desired traffic pattern.
5. Align with the correct runway.
6. Inspect the runway for traffic and obstructions.
7. Select an adequate touchdown point.

Conclusion

Understanding the acceptable touchdown range within the 750 ft zone is crucial for safe landings. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines and practicing estimation techniques, you can ensure compliance with both the FAA and ICAO standards.

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Keywords:

• Touchdown Zone
• FAA Standards
• Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
• AIM (Airport Marking Aids and Signs)
• ATP Standards
• Runway Touchdown Zone Markers
• Non-Precision Runway
• Precision Instrument Runway

FAQ:

1. What is the touchdown zone according to the FAA? The FAA defines the touchdown zone as the first 3,000 ft of the runway starting at the threshold.

2. How do ICAO's definitions differ? ICAO defines the touchdown zone as the part of the runway where the aircraft is intended to first make contact.

3. What is the acceptable touchdown range for ATP standards? The acceptable range is 750 ft starting 250 ft before the aiming point markers and extending 500 ft after them.

4. How is the touchdown zone marked on the runway? Runway touchdown zone markers are coded in 500 ft increments with groups of rectangular bars.

5. How should pilots handle non-precision runways? Pilots must estimate the acceptable touchdown range of 750 ft from the runway threshold on non-precision runways.

6. What skills are necessary for a proper landing? Coordinating with the crew, using correct checklists, maintaining approach speed, and knowing correct go-around procedures are essential skills.