Which statement correctly describes the effect of a downslope runway on touchdown?

• A. Upslope: low approach; land short
• B. Upslope: high approach; land long
• C. Downslope: high approach; will touch down further than desired
• D. Downslope: low approach; land short

Answer: (C)

When the runway slopes downward in the direction of landing, gravity helps move the airplane forward once you touch down, which tends to push the touchdown point farther down the runway than on a level surface. To manage this tendency, pilots commonly fly a higher-than-normal approach so the glide path meets the runway later rather than sooner. However, even with this adjustment, the combination of a downslope and a higher approach often results in touching down further down the runway than desired. That’s why the statement describing a downslope with a high approach and a touchdown point further down is the best description.