Do piano keys signify the ends of the usable runway?

[anonymous-user]

Odd question I know... For example, looking at Farnborough, the piano keys demarcate a much shorter stretch of runway than is physically available. Is there a reason for this?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/SPiishUf3TTJ2Rpy9

[Claret m]

No, they are the start of the runway for landing. Your map reference shows displaced touch down area, due local obstacle or maybe noise. The full runway is available for take off, and the area beyond the upwind threshold (piano keys) marking for landing.

[GliderRider]

Farnborough sits in a dip. To comply with the regulations for commercial operations, glide slopes and ground/obstacle clearances, the touchdown points had to be moved in when it changed from Ministry of Defence operations.
Trees were cut down on the ridge at the Laffan's Plain end beyond the airfield as well, much to the annoyance of locals and naturalists to increase the usable length.

[captain_cynic]

MrBig said:

Odd question I know... For example, looking at Farnborough, the piano keys demarcate a much shorter stretch of runway than is physically available. Is there a reason for this?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/SPiishUf3TTJ2Rpy9

Depends which set of piano keys you mean.

The ones before the number (designation) are the threshold markers and denote how wide the runway is (I.E. 6 stripes = 75 ft wide, 8 stripes = 100).

The ones after the number are the aiming point, where a pilot should be aiming to touchdown.

It's not unusual to have taxiways as part of the runway like F'bro, as others have said it's a converted military base, also having an approach over a built up area (North Camp)

[Eric Mc]

The old crosswind runway was also closed down as part of the upgrade to civil status - and the old control tower was demolished as it was too close to the actual runway for compliance to civil regulations.