Touchdown is the point during a landing when the landing gear first touches the runway or planetary surface. For aircraft, it marks the transition from aerodynamic flight to ground rolling. For spacecraft, it signifies the successful completion of a descent sequence, requiring immediate stabilization and engine cutoff.
Heard on the job
We had a firm touchdown right on the thousand-foot markers despite the crosswind.
Do not mix it up with
- Approach: The approach is the airborne phase leading up to the runway, whereas touchdown is the physical contact with the ground.