Definition
The end of a runway over which an aircraft passes when landing on that runway. It is the threshold end -- the beginning of the usable landing surface from the pilot's point of view on final approach.
Plain English
The end of the runway you fly over and touch down on when you land. The far end is the departure end; the near end, where you arrive, is the approach end.
Context Anchor
Used in runway descriptions, airport diagrams, landing briefings, and tower or instructor discussions about a specific runway end.
Why Pilots Care
Runway distance figures (landing distance available, displaced threshold, glide slope intercept point) are all measured from the approach end. Knowing which end is which prevents serious errors in performance planning and in following ATC instructions.
Intuition Check
Do not think of the approach end as a fixed end for all operations. It depends on the direction of landing: if aircraft land the opposite way, the opposite end becomes the approach end.
Example Sentence 1
The approach lighting system is installed before the approach end of Runway 27 to help pilots line up in low visibility.
Example Sentence 2
Winds were calm, so either end of the runway could be used, but the approach end was preferred for the shorter taxi.