Definition
The horizontal distance, in nautical miles, between the aircraft's current position and the touchdown point on the runway during a radar approach. The controller calls this distance to the pilot at regular intervals so the pilot knows how far is left to fly.
Plain English
How far the aircraft still is from the spot where it will land, measured along the ground in nautical miles.
Context Anchor
Heard from a controller during a radar approach, especially while the aircraft is being guided on final approach.
Derivation
Range' here means distance, as in radar range — how far away something is from a reference point. 'Touchdown' is the point on the runway where the wheels are intended to first contact the surface. Together: distance to the landing point.
Why Pilots Care
Gives the pilot a precise cue for descent rate, timing, and when to expect landing clearance or missed-approach instructions.
Intuition Check
“Range” here means distance to a runway point, not how far the airplane can fly. “Touchdown” here means the intended runway landing point, not necessarily the exact moment the wheels touch.
Example Sentence 1
The controller called, 'Two miles from touchdown, on glidepath, on course.'