General aviation pilot reported the threshold marking at BFL airport Runway 30R has not been reapplied yet since the recent construction and due to the lack of visual cues defining the threshold; resulted in the reporter landing prior to the displaced threshold.

Date: 2025-06 · Aircraft: Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Retractable Gear · Phase: landing

Anomalies: atc-issue-all-types|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|ground-event-encounter-other-unknown|ground-incursion-taxiway

Synopsis

General aviation pilot reported the threshold marking at BFL airport Runway 30R has not been reapplied yet since the recent construction and due to the lack of visual cues defining the threshold; resulted in the reporter landing prior to the displaced threshold.

Narrative

A cross-country flight was made from ZZZ to BFL on a direct routing under VFR conditions. On the descent; past left hand seat contact was established with Bakersfield Approach. ATIS information was obtained indicating landings were on 30R. 30L was closed requiring all traffic to use 30R. Approach Control transferred the flight to Tower while on a course straight in for landing on 30R which has a displaced threshold; approximately 3500 feet north of the beginning of the runway. Touchdown was made prior to the displaced threshold which aligns closely with Taxiway D. Tower requested expediting rollout to exit at Taxiway E. Upon contacting Ground Control they advised contacting ATC.Following shutdown contact was made with the Tower. ATC stated that they observed the aircraft touched down approximately 2000 feet prior to the displaced threshold. Due to recent construction the runway appeared to have been re-surfaced and the threshold marking had not been reapplied. Touchdown markings and centerline markings were visible.The preflight briefing utilized a flight app on an electronic device which linked to several NOTAMs applicable to BFL; primarily the closure or 30L/12R and associated taxiways for several days prior to and after the intended landing time. The airport diagram was also reviewed prior to flight and the displaced thresholds for 30L and R noted. The issue faced as the approach to landing was made was a lack of visual cues defining the threshold leading to a premature touchdown. Pilots that frequent the airport are aware of where the displaced threshold had been marked and are accustomed to landing beyond that point.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.