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Displacement Effect

Displaced thresholds are just for landing in the direction of the displacement. So back in 2008 when the 4800-foot runway was displaced 1500 feet from both ends, the landing distance either way was 3300 feet. You may roll out, or even touch down and stop, on the displacement for the opposite direction.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Displaced thresholds, often established for obstacle clearance, reduce the available landing distance as instrument approaches are designed to guide pilots to the painted threshold, not the physical start of the runway pavement.
  • While they reduce Landing Distance Available (LDA) for approaches in that direction, the full pavement length may still be usable for takeoff or landing in the opposite direction (TORA/TODA), and pilots should also be aware of related markings like relocated thresholds (taxi only) and blast pads (no operations).
  • Displaced thresholds can significantly impact approach lighting, often resulting in recessed lights or their complete omission, which may lead to higher visibility minimums for approaches and unique visual cues that require careful pilot attention.
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I don’t often look around the cockpit wondering if I’m the target of a practical joke. But that’s the way it felt flying over Orange County Muni (KORE) in 2008. The 4800-foot Runway 32/14 had displaced threshold markings knocking out 1500 feet of runway from both ends. There was more displacement than runway.

Kore Runway

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