Definition
The highest elevation, measured in feet above mean sea level, within the first 3,000 feet of the runway beginning at the threshold. It is published on instrument approach charts and used as the reference elevation for straight-in landing minimums on precision and certain non-precision approaches.
Plain English
The height above sea level of the highest point in the part of the runway where you actually touch down. It's the number used to figure out how low you can descend on an instrument approach before you must see the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen on airport information and instrument approach charts, especially when runway height matters for approach and landing planning.
Derivation
“Touchdown” means the moment the aircraft’s wheels contact the runway. “Elevation” comes from an older root meaning “to raise,” and in aviation it means height measured from sea level. Together, the term points to the runway height in the landing touchdown area, not the height of the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
Determines reference altitudes such as decision height or minimum descent altitude on instrument approaches.
Grounding Statement
Picture the first 3,000 feet of runway after the threshold; the Touchdown Zone Elevation is the highest published sea-level height found in that area.
Intuition Check
Do not read “touchdown” as the exact spot where your wheels will land. Here it means a defined runway area, and the elevation is the highest point in that area measured from sea level.
Example Sentence 1
The approach plate showed a TDZE of 412 feet, so at the 612-foot decision altitude they would be 200 feet above the touchdown zone.
Example Sentence 2
Before landing, the crew confirmed the Touchdown Zone Elevation matched the airport diagram to verify their altimeter settings.