FAR 91.605 — Transport Category Weight Limitations
FAR 91.605 sets takeoff and landing weight limits for transport category airplanes, including AFM, runway, clearway, and stopway requirements.
FAR 91.605 sets the weight rules for operating transport category airplanes. The regulation splits airplanes into two groups: older non-turbine transports, and turbine-powered transports certificated after September 30, 1958.
For older (non-turbine) transports, you cannot take off unless:
- Takeoff weight is within the authorized max for the airport elevation.
- The departure airport elevation falls within the altitude range the takeoff weights cover.
- Burning normal fuel and oil to the destination leaves you at or below the max landing weight for that field's elevation.
- Destination and alternate airport elevations are within the altitude range the landing weights cover.
For post-1958 turbine transports, you must follow the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and ensure takeoff and landing weights match AFM values for the actual elevation, temperature, runway, gradient, and wind, including wet runway data when applicable.
For turbine transports certificated after August 29, 1959, you must also confirm that the accelerate-stop distance fits within runway plus stopway, the takeoff distance fits within runway plus clearway, and the takeoff run fits within the runway itself. This rule matters because it ties paper performance numbers directly to the actual runway you're using on a hot, high, or contaminated day.
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
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?