Definition
A NOTAM contraction meaning displaced — moved from its normal or charted position. Most often used in reference to a displaced threshold, where the usable landing portion of a runway begins at a point further along than the physical start of the pavement.
Plain English
Shifted from where you'd normally expect it to be. In NOTAMs, it usually flags that a runway's landing threshold has been moved down the runway from the paved end.
Context Anchor
Seen in NOTAMs and runway information, especially when part of a runway cannot be used for landing.
Derivation
From the Latin dis- (apart, away) and locus (place) — literally 'placed away from.' In aviation use, something that has been moved from its standard or charted position.
Why Pilots Care
Changes the landing distance available and requires pilots to adjust their approach aiming point.
Intuition Check
Do not read displaced as meaning the runway is closed or unusable. It means the normal point or position has been moved; for a runway threshold, landing starts at the marked displaced point, not at the physical end of the pavement.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM read 'RWY 09 THR DSPLCD 500FT,' so the pilot adjusted the aim point further down the runway.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots must calculate landing distance from the displaced threshold rather than the runway end.