What does LDA refer to?

LDA stands for Landing Distance Available, which is a critical factor in aviation, particularly concerning the takeoff and landing phases of flight. It refers to the length of runway that is available for an aircraft to land, measured from the point where the aircraft first touches down to the end of the usable runway. This measurement takes into account any runway obstacles, terrain features, and other elements that could affect landing performance.

Understanding LDA is crucial for pilots, as it directly impacts their decision-making when it comes to which runways are safe for landing, especially under varying conditions such as aircraft weight, weather, and runway surface characteristics. By knowing the LDA, pilots can calculate required landing distances and ensure they have sufficient runway length to safely stop the aircraft, thus enhancing safety during landing operations.