Definition
Visible black streaks left on a runway surface by aircraft tires during landing touchdown, as the wheels rapidly spin up from a stopped state to ground speed and rubber is deposited on the pavement. Tire marks are concentrated in the touchdown zone and serve as a visual indicator of where most aircraft are actually landing on a given runway.
Plain English
The dark rubber streaks you see on a runway where airplane wheels first hit the ground. They show pilots roughly where other aircraft have been touching down.
Context Anchor
Seen on the runway during approach and landing, especially in the area where airplanes commonly touch down.
Why Pilots Care
They provide immediate visual feedback on whether the landing occurred at the intended spot and whether braking was smooth or excessive.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse tire marks with painted runway markings. Tire marks are rubber left by tires; painted markings are official visual guides.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach, the instructor pointed out the tire marks ahead of the runway numbers and explained that was where most aircraft were touching down.
Example Sentence 2
Heavy tire marks in the touchdown zone told the instructor the student had applied maximum braking too early.