Definition
The Landing Threshold Point (LTP) is the point on a runway centerline at the threshold over which the aircraft on a final approach is intended to cross at a specified height. On RNAV and Baro-VNAV approaches, the LTP is a defined three-dimensional point used as the origin for the final approach glidepath, with a published latitude, longitude, and elevation.
Plain English
The exact point at the start of the runway that the approach path is aimed at. The descent path on the approach is built so the aircraft passes over this point at a specific height above the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen in RNAV and Baro-VNAV approach design, procedure coding, and discussions of threshold crossing height.
Derivation
Landing Threshold Point: 'threshold' comes from Old English, meaning the entry point of a building or space. The runway threshold is where the usable landing surface begins, so the LTP is the precise reference point at that entry.
Why Pilots Care
It provides the fixed reference needed for accurate vertical guidance so the aircraft reaches the runway at the correct height and position.
Grounding Statement
Picture the LTP as the fixed runway-threshold point that the approach descent path is measured to.
Intuition Check
LTP does not mean touchdown point. It means the runway-threshold reference point used to build the approach path.
Example Sentence 1
On this RNAV approach, the glidepath is referenced to the LTP at the approach end of Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
Loading the approach into the navigation system places the LTP at the end of the computed vertical path.