SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-upslope-runway-takeoff

What does an upsloping runway do to the takeoff ground run?

It lengthens it, because acceleration is impeded.

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  1. It makes the ground run shorter
  2. It makes the ground run longer ✔
  3. It has no effect on takeoff

Why: Climbing uphill works against acceleration, so the ground run gets longer. Landing uphill helps, because the slope slows you and the landing roll gets shorter.

Huh, didn't know that: Runway gradient is a percent: a 3 percent gradient means 3 feet of height change per 100 feet of runway.

The dad joke
Why did the takeoff roll take forever on the uphill runway? It was feeling a little slope-shouldered.
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References

Answer: It makes the ground run longer. Climbing uphill works against acceleration, so the ground run gets longer. Landing uphill helps, because the slope slows you and the landing roll gets shorter.

  1. PHAK ch 11, Aircraft Performance (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/13_phak_ch11.pdf
    An upsloping runway impedes acceleration and results in a longer ground run during takeoff.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. PHAK ch 11, Aircraft Performance (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/13_phak_ch11.pdf
    landing on an upsloping runway typically reduces the landing roll.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. PHAK ch 11, Aircraft Performance (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/13_phak_ch11.pdf
    for every 100 feet of runway length, the runway height changes by 3 feet.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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