Definition
The specific point on the runway, selected by the pilot before landing, where the main wheels are intended to first contact the surface. It is normally located within the runway's marked touchdown zone (the first 3,000 feet, or first third of the runway, whichever is less) and serves as the aiming reference around which the stabilized approach is flown.
Plain English
The exact spot on the runway where you plan to put the wheels down. You pick it before you land, then fly the approach so the airplane arrives there.
Context Anchor
Used during stabilized approach and landing discussions, especially when deciding whether the approach is on track or whether a go-around is needed.
Derivation
Target' comes from the Old French targe, meaning a small shield used for archery practice — the thing you aim at. In aviation it carries that same idea: a chosen point you fly toward. 'Touchdown zone' simply names the part of the runway where the wheels are meant to first touch.
Why Pilots Care
Hitting the target touchdown zone keeps the approach stable and prevents runway overruns or go-arounds.
Intuition Check
Do not think of the target touchdown zone as the same as the spot you look at during the approach. The airplane usually touches down beyond the point you visually aim toward during the final part of landing.
Example Sentence 1
On final, the instructor reminded the student to keep the target touchdown zone fixed in the windscreen — if it drifted up, they were low; if it drifted down, they were high.
Example Sentence 2
Landing beyond the target touchdown zone can reduce the available runway for stopping.