Where does the Approach Surface begin in relation to the runway end and the primary surface?

Where does the Approach Surface begin in relation to the runway end and the primary surface?

• A. Begins at the runway threshold and extends outward from the end of the primary surface.
• B. Begins 200 feet from the runway end at the edge of the primary surface and extends outward from the end of the primary surface.
• C. Begins at the centerline of the runway and extends outward to the horizon.
• D. Begins 500 feet from the runway end at the edge of the primary surface and extends outward.

Answer: (B)

In this topic, the approach surface is a protected corridor for the final approach that starts just beyond the end of the primary surface. The point where it begins is a fixed distance from the runway end: 200 feet from the end of the runway, at the edge of the primary surface. From that starting point, the approach surface extends outward away from the runway end along the extended centerline. This setup keeps obstacles near the runway end in the approach path under defined protection, separate from the primary surface itself. The starting point is not at the threshold or centered on the runway, and it isn’t farther out than the specified 200‑foot offset.

In this topic, the approach surface is a protected corridor for the final approach that starts just beyond the end of the primary surface. The point where it begins is a fixed distance from the runway end: 200 feet from the end of the runway, at the edge of the primary surface. From that starting point, the approach surface extends outward away from the runway end along the extended centerline. This setup keeps obstacles near the runway end in the approach path under defined protection, separate from the primary surface itself. The starting point is not at the threshold or centered on the runway, and it isn’t farther out than the specified 200‑foot offset.