FAR 23.2115 — Takeoff Performance

FAR 23.2115 is a certification standard that tells airplane manufacturers what takeoff performance data they must determine and publish for Part 23 (small) airplanes. As a pilot, this is the rule behind the takeoff numbers in your AFM/POH.

When calculating takeoff performance, the applicant must account for:

• Stall speed safety margins
• Minimum control speeds
• Climb gradients

The required distances depend on the airplane category:

• Single-engine airplanes and Level 1, 2, and 3 low-speed multiengine airplanes: ground roll plus initial climb distance to 50 feet (15 m) above the takeoff surface.
• Level 1, 2, and 3 high-speed multiengine airplanes and Level 4 multiengine airplanes: after a sudden critical loss of thrust, the manufacturer must determine the aborted takeoff distance at critical speed, the ground roll and initial climb to 35 feet (11 m), and the net takeoff flight path.

Knowing what's behind these numbers helps you apply them correctly during real-world performance planning.