Climb Performance Data

FAR 23.2125 Climb Performance Data

FAR 23.2125 requires manufacturers to determine climb and glide performance data for Part 23 airplanes across weights, altitudes, and temperatures.

In Plain English

FAR 23.2125 is a certification rule that tells airplane manufacturers (the applicant) what climb and glide performance information they must develop and publish for Part 23 small airplanes. As a pilot, this is the source of the climb charts and glide data you find in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH).

The applicant must determine climb performance at each weight, altitude, and ambient temperature within the airplane's operating limitations:

  • For all single-engine airplanes.
  • For levels 1 and 2 high-speed multiengine and level 3 multiengine airplanes, following a critical loss of thrust on takeoff in the initial climb configuration.
  • For all multiengine airplanes, during the enroute phase with all engines operating, and after a critical loss of thrust in cruise configuration.

In addition, for single-engine airplanes, the applicant must determine glide performance after a complete loss of thrust.

Why it matters operationally: this rule is why you can plan a takeoff, climb, or engine-out scenario using real, tested numbers instead of guesses — including best glide range if your only engine quits.

Regulation Text
14 CFR § 23.2125
§ 23.2125 Climb information. (a) The applicant must determine climb performance at each weight, altitude, and ambient temperature within the operating limitations— (1) For all single-engine airplanes; (2) For levels 1 and 2 high-speed multiengine airplanes and level 3 multiengine airplanes, following a critical loss of thrust on takeoff in the initial climb configuration; and (3) For all multiengine airplanes, during the enroute phase of flight with all engines operating and after a critical loss of thrust in the cruise configuration. (b) The applicant must determine the glide performance for single-engine airplanes after a complete loss of thrust.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What climb performance data must a manufacturer provide for a single-engine Part 23 airplane?
Per FAR 23.2125(a)(1), the applicant must determine climb performance at each weight, altitude, and ambient temperature within the airplane's operating limitations.
Q2For a multiengine Part 23 airplane, what engine-out climb data is required?
FAR 23.2125(a)(2) requires climb data following a critical loss of thrust on takeoff in the initial climb configuration (for levels 1 and 2 high-speed and level 3 multiengine airplanes), and FAR 23.2125(a)(3) requires enroute climb data after a critical loss of thrust in the cruise configuration for all multiengine airplanes.
Q3Does Part 23 require glide performance data, and for which airplanes?
Yes. FAR 23.2125(b) requires the applicant to determine glide performance for single-engine airplanes after a complete loss of thrust.
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FAR 23.2125 — Climb Performance Data Requirements