FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsMedium
A pilot notices that the runway threshold is marked with arrows leading up to a line, followed by the normal runway markings beginning some distance farther down. What does this indicate about the usable landing area?
- AThe runway is temporarily closed and the marked area should not be used for any operation
- BThe area before the marked threshold is available for takeoff and landing rollout but not for landing
- CThe area before the threshold line may be used for taxi and rollout but not for landing
- DThe full runway length is available for landing but only partial length for takeoff
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The area before the marked threshold is available for takeoff and landing rollout but not for landing
This describes a displaced threshold. The paved area before the threshold arrows is usable for taxiing, takeoff, and landing rollout, but not for landing touchdown, because an obstruction or other consideration requires the touchdown zone to begin farther down the runway.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A displaced threshold does not indicate the runway is closed.
- C. This description omits that the displaced area is also usable for takeoff, not just taxi.
- D. This reverses the actual rule; the restriction applies to landing, not takeoff.
Displaced Threshold Marking
Arrows point to a threshold line that is displaced from the actual runway end, indicating the pavement before the line may be used for takeoff and rollout, but not for landing touchdown.
- Marked by arrows pointing toward the threshold line
- Used when an obstruction or other factor shortens the landing distance available
- Full pavement remains usable for taxi, takeoff, and landing rollout
Memory trick: 'Arrows point but don't touch down before the line'