Definition
Two rows of transverse light bars installed symmetrically about the runway centerline in the touchdown zone of a precision instrument runway. They extend from 100 feet beyond the landing threshold to 3,000 feet beyond the threshold, or to the midpoint of the runway, whichever is less, and emit white light to help pilots identify the area where the airplane should first contact the runway during a low-visibility landing.
Plain English
White lights set into the first part of the runway that show pilots exactly where the wheels should touch down, especially when visibility is poor.
Context Anchor
Seen during approach and landing, especially at night or in reduced visibility, on runways equipped with approach and runway lighting systems.
Why Pilots Care
They give precise visual guidance for the correct touchdown point, helping prevent landings that are too short or too far down the runway.
Grounding Statement
As you get close to landing, these lights show the runway area where the wheels should first touch down.
Intuition Check
Touchdown zone lights are not every light near the runway. They are specific white light bars that mark the runway’s intended landing area.
Example Sentence 1
Breaking out at minimums, the captain spotted the touchdown zone lights and continued the approach to landing.
Example Sentence 2
During the instrument approach, the touchdown zone lights became visible and guided the final descent.