Calculating Takeoff and Landing Distance

Source: www.pilotworkshop.com/tips/calculating-takeoff-landing-distance, Featuring Tom Turner

Subscriber question:

"Do you have any guidelines for calculating takeoff and landing distances?" - Fred C.

Tom:

"This varies dramatically from one airplane type to another, among similar airplanes, and even in the same airplane under different circumstances.

What I suggest is that you compute the takeoff and landing distances in the ways you normally operate the airplane. Apply at least a 50% margin for less-than-perfect pilot technique or runway conditions. Now you know what’s normal for you in that airplane.

If you plan to do anything different from your normal—add a couple of passengers, take off at a higher density altitude, use a grass runway—compute the performance under those conditions, to the extent POH performance data exists, and apply at least a 100% margin (double the distances).

I use the 50-foot obstacle clearing distances, not the ground roll distances, as my deciding factor.

One last note: obtaining book performance requires you use the book technique. Most POH takeoff and landing data actually reflect short-field performance—stand on the brakes until full throttle for takeoff, power off for a steep 1.3 times Vso approach on short final for landing. If the runway lengths are short enough that you need to double-check the airplane’s performance, you need to use the book takeoff and landing techniques."

To get free useful tips on a weekly basis, please sign up for Pilot Tips at www.pilotworkshop.com.