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AA.VI.A.R1FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Risk management

Selection of a runway based on aircraft performance and limitations, available distance...

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Selection of a runway based on aircraft performance and limitations, available distance, surface conditions, lighting, and wind.

Bottom line

Runway dimensions may not be sufficient such that a takeoff or landing can be performed safely under the given conditions. Some airplane flight manuals (AFM) provide little or no guidance on how to modify takeoff and landing distances for contaminated runways. Takeoff planning factors include weight and balance, airplane performance (both single and multiengine), runway length, slope and contamination, terrain and obstacles in the area, weather conditions, and pilot proficiency.

FAA references

  1. RMH ch. 3 (pp. 3-7–3-8) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. RMH App. C (p. C-1) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  3. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  4. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-11) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. IPH — FAA-H-8083-16B
  6. 14 CFR 91.103 (Preflight action.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  7. IFH ch. 10 (p. 10-29) — FAA-H-8083-15B
  8. AFH ch. 6 (p. 6-1) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  9. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-14) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  10. AFH ch. 9 (p. 9-4) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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