FAR 23.2105 — Performance Data
FAR 23.2105 explains the conditions and atmospheric ranges manufacturers must use to develop airplane performance data for Part 23 certification.
In Plain English
FAR 23.2105 sets the rules manufacturers follow when developing the performance data you find in your POH or AFM. It tells applicants what conditions performance numbers must be based on so the figures are realistic for line pilots.
Key points:
- Airplanes must meet performance requirements in still air and standard atmospheric conditions at sea level. For Level 1 and 2 high-speed and Level 3 and 4 airplanes, performance must also be shown across the ambient conditions in the operating envelope.
- Performance data must cover airport altitudes from sea level up to 10,000 feet and temperatures above and below standard day within operating limits, when those temps would hurt performance.
- Takeoff and landing procedures must be executable consistently by a pilot of average skill in expected atmospheric conditions — not just by test pilots.
- The data must account for losses from atmospheric conditions, cooling needs (like cowl flaps), and other demands on the powerplant.
Why it matters: as a pilot, you rely on POH charts to plan takeoff rolls, climb rates, and landing distances. FAR 23.2105 is what makes those numbers trustworthy and repeatable.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 23.2105§ 23.2105 Performance data.
(a) Unless otherwise prescribed, an airplane must meet the performance requirements of this subpart in—
(1) Still air and standard atmospheric conditions at sea level for all airplanes; and
(2) Ambient atmospheric conditions within the operating envelope for levels 1 and 2 high-speed and levels 3 and 4 airplanes.
(b) Unless otherwise prescribed, the applicant must develop the performance data required by this subpart for the following conditions:
(1) Airport altitudes from sea level to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters); and
(2) Temperatures above and below standard day temperature that are within the range of operating limitations, if those temperatures could have a negative effect on performance.
(c) The procedures used for determining takeoff and landing distances must be executable consistently by pilots of average skill in atmospheric conditions expected to be encountered in service.
(d) Performance data determined in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section must account for losses due to atmospheric conditions, cooling needs, and other demands on power sources.
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You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Under what baseline atmospheric conditions must a Part 23 airplane meet the performance requirements of Subpart B?
Per FAR 23.2105(a), all airplanes must meet the performance requirements in still air and standard atmospheric conditions at sea level, with high-speed Level 1 and 2 and Level 3 and 4 airplanes also required to meet them throughout the ambient conditions of the operating envelope.
Q2What altitude and temperature range must performance data in the AFM cover?
FAR 23.2105(b) requires the applicant to develop performance data for airport altitudes from sea level to 10,000 feet and for temperatures above and below standard day, within the operating limitations, when those temperatures could negatively affect performance.
Q3Why can't published takeoff and landing distances assume test-pilot technique?
FAR 23.2105(c) requires that the procedures used to determine takeoff and landing distances be executable consistently by pilots of average skill under the atmospheric conditions expected in service, so the published numbers are achievable by typical line pilots.
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Occupant protection and survivable emergency-landing conditions
§23.2310 Seaplane & Amphibian Buoyancy
80% excess buoyancy and flotation after likely hull or float flooding
§23.2335 Lightning Protection
Airplane protection from catastrophic lightning effects
§23.2500 Airplane-Level Systems
System safety requirements at the complete-airplane level
§23.2145 Stability
Longitudinal, lateral, and directional airplane stability
§23.2250 Design & Construction
Design and construction principles for normal-category airplanes
Related Sections in Part 23