Where is the touchdown point located for SFO/ELP?

The touchdown point for SFO/ELP, as indicated, is located at the one-third point of the runway. This positioning is significant for several reasons related to landing performance and safety.

When an aircraft lands, the touchdown point is crucial for ensuring that it has enough runway available to safely decelerate and come to a complete stop. By locating the touchdown point at one-third of the runway, it allows pilots to have a more predictable and controlled landing, especially in potentially adverse conditions or when dealing with heavier aircraft.

This setup also provides ample runway length for various emergency procedures, should they be necessary. It offers pilots sufficient space for braking and maneuvering, which is especially advantageous in high-density traffic areas like San Francisco International Airport.

In contrast to the other options, the mid-point would not provide as much length for safe stopping distances, the threshold marks the beginning of the actual runway usable for landing, and the final approach fix, while critical for navigational purposes, does not specifically denote where on the runway touchdown should occur. Each of these alternatives has its uses but does not align with the established protocol for touchdown placement at SFO/ELP.