Calculating the required runway takeoff length for an aircraft involves considering various factors that
affect the aircraft's performance. Here's a step-by-step guide to determining the takeoff distance
required under specific conditions:
Step-by-Step Calculation
1. Determine Standard Takeoff Distance
Refer to the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) or Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) to find
the standard takeoff distance at maximum takeoff weight under standard atmospheric
conditions (typically at sea level with an International Standard Atmosphere (ISA)
temperature of 15°C).
2. Identify and Collect Necessary Corrections
Temperature (Outside Air Temperature - OAT)
Pressure altitude (field elevation adjusted for current pressure)
Runway slope (gradient)
Runway surface condition (wet, dry, icy, etc.)
Wind component (headwind or tailwind)
3. Apply Temperature Correction
Higher temperatures reduce air density, requiring a longer takeoff distance. The
AFM/POH usually provides correction factors or charts.
4. Apply Pressure Altitude Correction
Higher elevations reduce air density. Use the performance charts to adjust the takeoff
distance for the given pressure altitude.
5. Apply Runway Slope Correction
An uphill runway increases the takeoff distance, while a downhill runway decreases it.
The slope is typically expressed as a percentage, and correction factors are available in
the aircraft’s performance data.
6. Apply Runway Surface Condition Correction
Wet, icy, or unpaved runways generally require longer takeoff distances. Correction
factors are provided in the performance charts.
7. Apply Wind Component Correction
Headwinds improve takeoff performance, reducing the required distance. Tailwinds have
the opposite effect. The wind correction is often provided as a percentage adjustment.
Example Calculation
Given Data:
Standard takeoff distance at MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight): 5,000 feet
Temperature: 30°C (ISA + 15°C)
Pressure altitude: 2,000 feet
Runway slope: +2% (uphill)
Runway condition: Wet
Wind: 10 knots headwind
Correction Factors (hypothetical):
Temperature Correction: 1.15 (15% increase)
Pressure Altitude Correction: 1.10 (10% increase)
Runway Slope Correction: 1.02 (2% increase)
Runway Condition Correction: 1.20 (20% increase)
Wind Correction: 0.95 (5% decrease)
Calculation:
Corrected Takeoff Distance=Standard Distance×Temperature Correction×Pressure Altitude Correction×Ru
nway Slope Correction×Runway Condition Correction×Wind CorrectionCorrected Takeoff Distance=Stand
ard Distance×Temperature Correction×Pressure Altitude Correction×Runway Slope Correction×Runway C
ondition Correction×Wind Correction
Plugging in the values: Corrected Takeoff Distance=5,000
feet×1.15×1.10×1.02×1.20×0.95Corrected Takeoff Distance=5,000feet×1.15×1.10×1.02×1.20×0.95
Corrected Takeoff Distance=5,000×1.15=5,750 feetCorrected Takeoff Distance=5,000×1.15=5,750feet
5,750 \times1.10 = 6,325 feet5,750 \times1.10 = 6,325 feet 6,325 \times1.02 = 6,451.5 feet6,325 \
times1.02 = 6,451.5 feet 6,451.5 \times1.20 = 7,741.8 feet6,451.5 \times1.20 = 7,741.8 feet 7,741.8 \
times0.95 = 7,354.71 feet7,741.8 \times0.95 = 7,354.71 feet
So, the corrected takeoff distance required under these conditions is approximately 7,355 feet.
Conclusion
The corrected takeoff distance is the runway length required for a safe takeoff under the given
conditions. This method ensures that all relevant factors are considered to maintain safety and
performance standards. Always use the specific aircraft's performance charts and manuals for precise
correction values.
