Which statement about landing touchdown requirements is correct?

• A. Touchdown must be within 100 ft of the approach end.
• B. Touchdown must be in the first half of the runway only.
• C. Touchdown must be at the threshold.
• D. Touchdown must be no less than 200 ft down the runway from the approach end and within the first third of the runway.

Answer: (D)

Touchdown location on landing is controlled to ensure you have enough runway left to decelerate safely and to land into a defined zone that provides adequate margin for flare and rollout. The correct statement combines two limits: you should not touchdown closer to the approach end than about 200 feet, and you should land within the first third of the usable runway. Hitting the runway at least 200 feet from the threshold helps you plant the main wheels with a stable rollout and avoid potential pavement issues or obstacles near the threshold, while staying within the first third keeps the touchdown within a zone that provides sufficient distance for deceleration and safe braking.

Options that touch down too close to the threshold or require landing at the threshold don’t allow this safe margin or place you outside the designated touchdown zone, which is why they aren’t correct.