Definition
One of the visual references a pilot must distinctly see and identify when descending below DA/DH or MDA on an instrument approach in order to legally continue the approach to landing. It refers to either the paved runway surface itself or the painted markings on that surface — such as the runway designation numbers, threshold markings, centerline stripe, aiming point, or touchdown zone markings.
Plain English
Seeing the runway, or seeing any of the white painted markings on it, counts as one of the things you're allowed to use as your visual cue to land off an instrument approach.
Context Anchor
Used when deciding whether you have enough visual reference to continue an instrument approach toward landing.
Derivation
Runway combines run (aircraft ground movement) and way (path). Markings comes from mark, meaning to designate or indicate. Together they describe deliberate visual guides placed on the surface aircraft use for takeoff and landing.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate reading of these markings prevents misalignment, short landings, or runway incursions when electronic guidance is limited or unavailable.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as any pavement or any painted surface near the airport. It means the intended runway itself, or the standard markings on that runway, are visible enough to serve as a landing reference.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching minimums, the pilot saw the runway markings clearly through the mist and continued the approach to landing.
Example Sentence 2
In reduced visibility the crew relied on the runway markings to identify the threshold and touchdown zone.