Definition
The fixed spot on the runway that a pilot visually targets during the final approach to landing. It appears stationary in the windshield throughout a stable approach, while points short of it move down and points beyond it move up in the pilot's field of view. The aim point is not where the aircraft actually touches down — touchdown occurs slightly beyond it after the flare.
Plain English
The spot on the runway you are aiming for as you come in to land. If your approach is steady, that spot stays still in the windshield while everything else seems to move around it.
Context Anchor
Used during visual approaches and landing practice when judging whether the aircraft is coming in too high, too low, or on the desired path.
Derivation
Aim means to direct something toward a chosen target, and point means a specific spot. Together, aim point means the specific spot the pilot uses as the target for the approach path.
Why Pilots Care
A correct aim point ensures adequate runway remaining after touchdown and prevents landing short or floating too far.
Grounding Statement
On final approach, a steady aim point appears to stay in nearly the same place in the windshield as the aircraft moves toward it.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the aim point is always the touchdown point. The aim point is the visual target for the approach path; touchdown normally happens beyond it after the pilot levels off for landing.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach the instructor told the student to pick an aim point about 1,000 feet down the runway and keep it stationary in the windshield.
Example Sentence 2
If the aim point starts moving up toward the horizon, the airplane is getting low on the approach.