Safety: Runway Length

How does aircraft type, elevation and the environment factor into determining the necessary runway length for private jet charters? Aircraft manufacturers go to incredible lengths to determine the recommended runway length for each and every private jet. The size of the aircraft is just one of several factors. When it comes to private jet charter and runway length, other considerations are the altitude of the runaway, the weight of the plane and environmental conditions such as air temperature.

WHAT AIRCRAFT FACTORS DETERMINE NECESSARY RUNWAY LENGTH?

Aircraft type is the biggest factor that determines if the runway is long enough for a private jet. A rule of thumb is, the larger the aircraft, the longer the runway needs to be. However, there are other factors that also need to be taken into consideration when it comes to private planes and runway length. They include:

• The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight
• The aircraft’s engine thrust
• How fast the aircraft can reach its take-off speed

HOW DOES ELEVATION IMPACT PRIVATE PLANES AND RUNWAY LENGTH?

If the runway is at sea level and the runway length is 5,000 feet then turbo props, light jets, mid-size jet and heavy jets have the performance. For every 2,000-feet of elevation, you need an increase of 1,000-feet in runway length. There are some jets that have straight wings that can accommodate 5,000-ft. runways such as the Citation V/Ultra/Encore and Falcon 50. A rule of thumb for turbo props is that they need 2,800 feet at sea level.

WHAT IS DENSITY ALTITUDE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR PILOTS TO KNOW AN AIRPORT’S ELEVATION?

Density altitude is what pilots use to determine the performance of an aircraft when it comes to taking off and landing in high altitude airports. Three factors that can determine air density include:

• Temperature
• Altitude
• Humidity

As air is less dense at higher altitudes and in higher temperatures, there is less air to support the aircraft, so more groundspeed is required for the lift required at take off, which means a longer runway is necessary. All these factors have to be kept in mind, as the performance of private planes in a lower altitude airports are nowhere near their performance on a hot, humid day at a high altitude airport. A reduction in air density can reduce the engine’s horsepower as well as the aerodynamic lift and drag.  

HOW DOES AIRCRAFT WEIGHT AFFECT PRIVATE JET CHARTERS AND RUNWAY LENGTH?

Both weight and balance are important in order to fly safely and efficiently. According to the FAA, the maximum allowable weight of an aircraft is based on the surface area of the wing, and how much lift it will generate at a safe and appropriate speed. The heavier the aircraft, the longer runway it will need for a clear take off. The weight of an aircraft can also affect its stall speed before it is able to climb into the air or descend from the air. Pilots and crew have to be aware of adding too much weight, as this will have an adverse effect on the climb and cruise performance.

Safety is our number one priority.  As an ARGUS registered charter broker, our focus is to align the requirements of your flight itinerary with the best aircraft for your flight. Call us to learn more!