Definition
A runway whose available landing distance is limited relative to the airplane's required landing distance, leaving little margin for excess airspeed, float, or a long touchdown. Operating into a short runway requires precise airspeed control, an accurate touchdown point near the threshold, and prompt, firm braking after touchdown.
Plain English
A runway that isn't very long compared to what the airplane needs to land safely, so the pilot has to fly more precisely and use the full length carefully.
Context Anchor
Encountered when planning a descent and landing, especially when deciding whether the runway length gives enough room to land and stop.
Why Pilots Care
Failing to recognize a short runway and adjust the approach can result in an overrun or loss of directional control on landing.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “short runway” automatically means unsafe or unusable. It means the runway length is limited enough that the pilot must check performance and fly the landing accurately.
Example Sentence 1
Because the destination had a short runway, the pilot flew the published approach speed exactly and planned to touch down right at the threshold markings.
Example Sentence 2
On final approach to the short runway, the pilot maintained a steeper descent to touch down at the beginning of the pavement.