FAR 23.2220 — Ground and Water Loads
FAR 23.2220 explains how applicants must determine structural design loads from taxi, takeoff, landing, and handling on ground or water surfaces.
FAR 23.2220 is part of the airworthiness standards for normal category airplanes and tells the applicant (the manufacturer or designer seeking certification) how to figure out the structural loads an airplane must be built to handle when it's interacting with the ground or water surface.
Specifically, the applicant must determine structural design loads from these operating conditions on the applicable surface (runway, ramp, or water for seaplanes):
- Taxi — loads while moving on the surface
- Takeoff — loads during the takeoff roll and liftoff
- Landing — touchdown and rollout loads
- Handling — towing, jacking, and ground maneuvering
These loads must be evaluated in both normal and adverse attitudes and configurations — meaning not just the perfect three-point landing, but also nose-low, one-wheel, sideload, and other unfavorable scenarios.
Why it matters operationally: this is the rule that ensures the gear, floats, and supporting airframe structure of your training aircraft were designed to absorb the bumps, hard landings, and crosswind side-loads you'll encounter in real flying.