Airplanes: Turbine engine powered: Takeoff limitations

This regulation sets maximum takeoff weights for turbine-powered airplanes operated under Part 121, based on the aircraft's certification date and the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).

You cannot exceed the weight that allows the airplane to meet specific performance requirements for your runway and conditions. Depending on when the aircraft was certificated, you must ensure adequate:

• Accelerate-stop distance (fits within runway plus stopway)
• Takeoff distance (fits within runway plus up to half the runway length in clearway)
• Takeoff run (fits within the runway itself)
• Obstacle clearance (35 feet vertical or 200/300 feet horizontal depending on location)

All calculations must account for actual conditions: runway length, elevation, slope, temperature, wind, and whether the runway is wet or dry. The AFM provides the approved weights and distances. The regulation assumes no banking below 50 feet and maximum 15-degree banks thereafter.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*