Do I Have Enough Airspeed for Takeoff?

There’s a lot you need to know to prep for a safe takeoff, and performance charts can tell you what you need to know.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 10:28 AM ET

Verified

When it comes to lifting off, the laws of physics are strictly enforced. [File Photo: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Pilots determine sufficient airspeed and runway for takeoff by consulting performance charts in the aircraft's Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).
These charts provide critical data for liftoff speed and required runway distance, accounting for variables like aircraft weight, wind, air temperature, field elevation (density altitude), and runway surface.
It is the pilot's responsibility to pre-plan using these metrics, ensuring the aircraft has enough runway to achieve liftoff and clear obstacles before every flight, often adding a safety margin.

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Q: When lifting off in an airplane, how do you know when you have enough airspeed, considering the amount of runway remaining?

A: The laws of physics are strictly enforced: When there is sufficient airflow over the wings, an aircraft will take off—whether or not there is sufficient runway remaining depends on the pilot’s planning for the performance of the aircraft using FAA-approved sources, specifically the performance charts in the aircraft’s pilot’s operating handbook (POH) or airplane flight manual (AFM).

With airplanes, the pilot needs to know not only liftoff speed and proper climbout speed, but also the ground roll distance and the distance required to clear a 50-foot obstacle at the end of the runway. This information is found on the aircraft’s performance charts created by the aircraft manufacturer.