I have often wondered what the sets of lines on either side of the centre line mean at each end of the runway? Is this to indicate the last possible point to touch down with enough runway space to stop? And do the various sizes/widths indicate for the size/weight of aircraft to stop?
By: MapleLeaf_330 - 30th July 2003 at 13:27
Thanks for the information.
By: wysiwyg - 30th July 2003 at 02:35
You’re pretty much in the ballpark, except the lines either side of the centerline are the instrument approach touchdown markers and further markers indicating certain distance from these.
By: MINIDOH - 29th July 2003 at 22:29
It depends. There are different markings that mean different things. If a runway has arrows leading up to the ‘piano keys’ then it means that that part of the runway is available for takeoff only. The ‘piano keys’ indicate that you can land there onwards. If you see a runway with a cross at either end it means the runway is not suitable for landings and shouldnt be used.
Wys and other pilots here though will know far more details.
By: Mark L - 29th July 2003 at 22:28
The piano key’s are the runway threshold markings. They indicate the usuable runway. The other marking’s are generally a distance guage. There is also another set of markings which is the “aiming” point where you are supposed to land, more prominent than the distance guages, but less so than the threshold.
I’m not 100% sure of this however, and has been learnt purely from FS so please can Wysiwig or suchlike confirm?
By: Ren Frew - 29th July 2003 at 22:16
Also… what do the piano keys indicate ?
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July 29, 2003 at 7:43 pm