Nontransport category airplanes: Takeoff limitations

This regulation sets takeoff weight limits for nontransport category airplanes operated under Part 121. The airplane must be light enough to stop safely on the remaining runway if takeoff is rejected before reaching either 105% of minimum control speed or 115% of power-off stall speed (whichever is higher).

When calculating this limit, you assume full takeoff power on all engines but must be conservative with wind—use only 50% of headwinds or 150% of tailwinds. Runway gradient over 0.5% must be factored in, and calculations assume standard atmosphere. The "effective runway length" is measured from your starting point to where the opposite end's obstruction clearance plane crosses the centerline, which may be shorter than the physical runway.

This ensures Part 121 operators have adequate runway to abort takeoff safely in nontransport category aircraft, accounting for real-world conditions with appropriate safety margins.

*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.*