Definition
An imaginary straight line projected outward from the centerline of a runway along its same heading, used as a reference path for aircraft on final approach and after takeoff.
Plain English
If you drew the runway's center stripe out into the sky beyond the end of the runway, that invisible line is the extended runway centerline. Pilots fly along it when lining up to land and when climbing out after takeoff.
Context Anchor
Seen in approach guidance, runway alignment, and visual approach slope indicator discussions.
Why Pilots Care
Maintaining alignment on this line keeps the aircraft centered on the runway, reducing the risk of landing off to the side or drifting during final approach.
Analogy
It is like imagining the center stripe of a road continuing straight beyond where the pavement ends.
Intuition Check
“Extended” does not mean the runway is physically longer. It means the runway’s middle line is being continued outward as an imaginary reference line.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach, the pilot corrected for a light crosswind to stay on the extended runway centerline.
Example Sentence 2
Controllers may instruct a pilot to intercept the extended runway centerline several miles from the airport.