Displaced threshold primarily impacts which flight operation?

• A. Landing operations.
• B. Takeoff operations.
• C. Ground taxiing.
• D. Air traffic control clearance.

Answer: (A)

Displaced threshold moves the landing threshold forward from the physical start of the runway. Because of this, the portion of runway before the displaced threshold cannot be used for landing, so the landing distance available is reduced. Pilots must touch down beyond the displaced threshold and stop within the shorter landing distance, which is why this concept mainly impacts landing operations.

The same physical runway can still be used for takeoffs from the displaced threshold, and the area before the threshold can be used for takeoff runs, so takeoff distance isn’t reduced in the same way. Ground taxiing and ATC clearances aren’t the primary effect of a displaced threshold. You’ll see markings and arrows on the pavement indicating the displaced threshold and the new landing start point.