AC 23-8C

Advisory circular · Flight Test Guide For Certification of Part 23 Airplanes

Approved
November 16, 2011
Last reviewed
July 5, 2017
Cancels
AC23-8B
Family
AC 23-8 · 3 versions
Revision
C
14 CFR parts
23
Cited by
1 AD

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed October 23, 2026.

Show pages 27–38

(b) Early rotation, one-engine inoperative abuse test.

1 In showing compliance with § 23.51(c)(5), some guidance relative to the airspeed attained at a height of 35 feet during the associated flight test is necessary. As this requirement dealing with a rotation speed abuse test only specifies an early rotation (VR-5 knots), it is assumed that pilot technique is to remain the same as normally used for an engineout condition. With these consider ations in mind, it is apparent that the airspeed achieved at a height of 35 feet can be somewhat below the normal scheduled V2 speed. However, the amount of permissible V2 speed reduction should be limited to a reasonable amount, as described in paragraphs 2 and 3 below.

2 In conducting the flight tests required by § 23.51(c)(5), the test pilot should use a normal/natural rotation technique as associated with the use of scheduled takeoff speeds for the airplane being tested. Intentional tail or tail skid contact is not considered acceptable. Further, the airspeed at tained at a height of 35 feet during this test is required to be not less than the scheduled V2 value minus five knots. These speed limits should not be considered or utilized as target V2 test speeds but rather are intended to provide an acceptable range of speed departure below the scheduled V2 value.

3 In this abuse test, the engine cut should be accomplished prior to the VR test speed (that is, scheduled VR-5 knots) to allow for engine spin down. The normal one­ engine-inoperative takeoff distance may be analytically adjusted to compensate for the effect of the early engine cut. Fu rther, in those tests where the airspeed achieved at a height of 35 feet is slightly less than the V2-5 knots limiting value, it is permissible, in lieu of re-conducting the tests, to analytically adjust the test distance to account for the excessive speed decrement.

(c) All-engines-operating abuse tests.

1 Section 23.51(c)(6) requires that there not be a "marked increase" in the scheduled takeoff distance when reasonably expected service variations, such as early and excessive rotation and out-of-trim conditions, are encountered. This is considered as requiring takeoff tests with all engines operating with:

(aa) An abuse at rotation speed, and (bb) Out-of-trim conditions, but with rotation at the scheduled V R speed.

Note: The expression "marked in crease" in the takeoff distance is defined as any amount in excess of five percent of the takeoff distance as determined in accordance with § 23.59. Thus, the abuse tests should not result in a takeoff distance of more than 105 percent of the scheduled takeoff distance.

2 For the early rotation abuse condition with all engines operating and at a weight as near as practicable to the maximum sea level takeoff weight, it should be shown by test that when the airplane is over-rotated at a speed below the scheduled VR, no "marked increase" in the takeoff distance will result. For this demonstration, the airplane should be rotated at a speed of 10 knots or seven percent, whichever is less, below the scheduled VR.

Tests should be conducted at a rapid rotation rate or should include an over-rotation of two degrees above normal attitude after liftoff. Rapid rotation should be taken to mean significantly above the normal pitch rate of rotation. It should be noted that four or five degrees per second have previously proved satisfactory. Tail strikes, should they occur during this demonstration, are acceptable only if a fault analysis (structural, electrical, hydraulic, and so forth) has been accomplished and indicates no possible degradation in the control of aircraft, engines, or essential systems necessary for continued safe flight after a reasonable worst case tail strike.

3 For out-of-trim conditions with all engines operating and at a weight as near as practicable to the maximum sea level takeoff weight, some things should be shown -.

With the airplane mis-trimmed, as would reasonably be expected in service, there should not be a "marked increase" in the takeoff distance when rotation is initiated in a normal manner at the scheduled VR speed. The amount of mis-trim used should be with the longitudinal control trimmed to its most adverse position within the allowable takeoff trim band as shown on the cockpit indicator.

(iv) Lift-off Speed (VLOF). VLOF is the CAS at which the airplane first becomes airborne.

(v) Section 23.51(c)(4) - Takeoff Safety Speed (V2). V 2 is the CAS that is attained at or before 35 feet above the takeoff surface after an engine failure at VEF using an established rotation speed VR. During the takeoff speed demonstration, V 2 should be continued to an altitude sufficient to assure stable conditions beyond 35 feet. Section 23.51(c)(4) requires V2 not be less than 1.1 VMC or 1.2 VS1. Attainment of V 2 by 35 feet should be substantiated by use of procedures consistent with those used in service. If auto feather is required, then auto feather should be activated as an integral part of testing.

4. § 23.53 Takeoff Performance.

a. Explanation.

(1) Normal, Utility, and Acrobatic Category Airplanes.

(i) Objective of Takeoff Requirement. The primary objective of the takeoff requirement is to establish, for information of the operator, a takeoff distance within which the airplane may be expected to achieve a speed and height sufficient to ensure capability of performing all maneuvers that may become necessary for safe completion of the takeoff and for safe landing if necessitated by power failure. An ai rspeed margin above stall in conjunction with a height of 50 feet is presumed to assure the desired maneuvering capability.

(ii) AFM Takeoff Distance. Section 23.1587(c)(1) require s the takeoff distance determined under this section be furnished in the AFM. The data should be furnished at the most critical c.g. (usually forward). Section 23.1587 further requires the effect of altitude from sea level to 10,000 feet and the following:

(a) Temperature from standard to 30 °C above standard; or

(b) For airplanes greater than 6,000 pounds (2730 kg) and turbine-powered airplanes, the AFM should furnish temperature from standard to 30 °C above standard, or the maximum ambient atmospheric temperature at which compliance with the cooling provisions of § 23.1041 to § 23.1047 is shown, if lower. Propulsive thrust available should be accounted for in accordance with § 23.45 and appendix 1 of this AC. For turbine-powered airplanes, distances should be presented up to the maximum takeoff temperature limit. A data expansion method appropriate to the airplane's features should be used.

(iii) AFM Takeoff Technique. For multiengine airplanes, § 23.1585(d)(1) requires the AFM to furnish the procedures for the § 23.53 takeoff. The recommended technique that is published in the AFM and used to achieve the performance should be one that the operational pilot can duplicate using the minimum amount of type design cockpit instrumentation and the minimum crew.

(iv) Tire Speed Limits. If tires approved through the technical standard order (TSO) process are used, it should be determined, within the weight, altitude, and temperature for which takeoff performance is shown in § 23.1587, that the TSO tire speed ratings are not exceeded at VL0F. If the tire speed rating would be exceeded under some combinations of weight, altitude, and temperature, then the tire speed limit should be established as an operating limitation. In compliance with § 23.1581(a)(2), a maximum takeoff weight limited by tire speed chart should also be included in the AFM performance section.

b. Procedures.

(1) Takeoff Distance Tests. The takeoff distance should be established by test. It may be obtained either by takeoffs conducted as a continuous operation from start to the 50-foot 28

height or synthesized from acceleration segments and climb segment(s) determined separately.

Recording theodolite, Global Positioning System (GPS), or electronic equipment that is capable of providing horizontal distance and velocity, and height above the takeoff surface is highly desirable for takeoff distance tests. Additi onal required special ground equipment includes a sensitive anemometer capable of providing wind velocity and direction, a thermometer capable of providing accurate free-air temperature under all conditions, and an altimeter or barograph to provide pressure altitude.

(2) Segment Technique. For the segment technique , the airplane should be accelerated on the surface from brake release to rotation speed VR and on to the speed selected for the 50-foot height point. Some airplanes ma y not be able to safely remain on the runway above flying speed. It is acceptable to allow the airplane to fly in ground effect without climbing. Six acceptable runs are recommended to establish the takeoff acceleration segment.

VR should be selected so that the 50-foot speed can be achieved. A climb segment based on the rate of climb, free of ground effect, is added to the acceleration segment. Refer to § 23.65 of this AC and appendix 2 for climb performance methods. Total distance is the sum of the acceleration segment plus the climb segment. For AFM presentation, the ground run would be the ground acceleration distance to VL0F, and the air distance would be the horizontal distance to climb at the 50-foot speed for 50 feet plus the ground acceleration distance from VL0F to the 50-foot speed. For those airplanes with retractable gear, the landing gear should be extended throughout or an alternative method of retraction may be initiated at a speed corresponding to a safe speed for gear retraction following liftoff in normal operations. If takeoff distance is determined using the "segmented" method, actual takeoffs using the AFM takeoff speed schedule should be conducted to verify that the actual takeoff distance to the 50-foot height does not exceed the calculated takeoff distance to the 50-foot height.

(3) Weight. Takeoff distance tests should be co nducted at the maximum weight, and at a lesser weight if takeoff distance data for a range of weights is to be approved. The test results may be considered acceptable without correction for weight if a ±0.5 percent weight tolerance is observed.

(4) Nose wheel/tail wheel. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the "critical"

c.g. position for takeoff distance tests may be assumed to be forward. However, the applicant should determine the critical c.g. for the aircraft configuration as well as for the runway distance.

(5) Wind. Wind velocity and direction should be measured adjacent to the runway during the time interval of each test run. Refer to section 23.21a(5) of this AC for wind velocity and direction tolerances. For the ground run portion of the segment technique, the following relationship was developed empirically and is an acceptable method for correction of low-wind conditions:

SG = SGW Where: S G = no-wind takeoff ground distance (feet) SGW = takeoff ground distance at a known wind velocity (feet) VW = wind velocity (feet second) 29

VTOW = true ground speed, at lift-off with a known wind velocity (feet/second) Note 1 + is used for headwind and - for tailwind Note 2 Wind, then sl ope corrections should be applied before further data reduction.

(6) Runway Slope. The effect of runway gradie nt can be significant for heavy airplanes or for low thrust-to-weight ratio airplanes, even if the gradient of the runway is small.

Gradient should be controlled by proper runway selection. The correction is as follows:

S SG = GS1  2gSGS1  1 2 sin V  TO  Where: S GS1 = ground distance on a sloping runway g = acceleration of gravity, 32.17 ft./sec 2 VTO = airplane velocity at lift-off in ft./sec. (true) θ = angle of the slope in degrees (not percent) + for upslope and - for downslope

(7) Expansion of Takeoff Data for a Range of Airport Elevations.

(i) These guidelines are applicable to expanding takeoff data above the altitude at which the basic or verifying tests were obtained.

(ii) In general, takeoff data may be extrapolated above and below the altitude at which the basic test data was obtained without additional conservatism within the following constraints:

(a) When the basic takeoff tests are accomplished between sea level and approximately 3,000 feet, the maximum allowable extrapolation limits are 6,000 feet above and 3,000 feet below the test field elevation. If it is desired to extrapolate beyond these limits, one of two procedures may be employed.

(b) Extrapolation of Performance Data for a Range of Altitudes When Verifying Tests are Not Conducted. The approval of performance data for airport elevations beyond the maximum elevation permitted by basic tests may be allowed without conducting verifying tests if the calculated data include a conservative factor. This conservatism should result in an increase of the calculated takeoff distance at the desired airport elevation by an amount equal to zero percent for the highest airport elevation approved on the results of the basic tests Also, it should result in an additional cu mulative two percent incremental factor for each 30

1,000 feet of elevation above the highest airport elevation approved for zero percent conservatism. The two percent incremental factor should have a straight line variation with altitude. When performance data are calculated for the effects of altitude under this procedure, the following provisions are applicable:

1 Previously established calculation procedures should be used, taking into account all known variables.

2 The calibrated installed engine power for the pertinent speed and altitude ranges should be used.

3 The brake kinetic energy limits established by airplane ground tests should not be exceeded.

(c) Extrapolation of Performance Data When Verifying Tests are Conducted.

1 If data approval is desired for a greater range of airport elevations, the performance may be calculated from the basic test data up to the maximum airport elevation, provided verifying tests are conducted at appropriate elevations to substantiate the validity of the calculations. The actual airplane performance data from the verifying tests should correspond closely to the calculated performance values.

2 For the verifying tests, it has been found that normally three takeoffs at maximum weights for the elevations tested will provide adequate verification.

3 If verifying tests substantiate the expanded takeoff data, the data may be further expanded up to 6,000 feet above the altitude at which the verifying tests were conducted.

At altitudes higher than 6,000 feet above the verifying test altitude, the two percent per 1,000 feet cumulative factor discussed in paragraph (b) above should be applied starting at zero percent at the verifying test altitude plus 6,000 feet.

c. Jets Over 6,000 Pounds Maximum Takeoff Weight and Commuter Category Airplanes.

(1) Objective of Takeoff Requirement. Section 23.53(c) requires that performance be determined that provides accountability for the selected operating weights, altitudes, ambient temperatures, configurations, and corrected for various wind and runway gradient conditions.

(2) Takeoff Profile. Tests are required to determ ine the performance throughout the takeoff path as specifically defined by § 23.55 through § 23.59, and as discussed in the following sections of this AC.

5. § 23.55 Accelerate-Stop Distance.

a. Explanation. This section describes test demonstrations necessary to determine accelerate-stop distances for airplane performance required to be published in the Performance section of the AFM.

b. Procedures.

(1) Accelerate-stop tests. Accelerate-stop tests should be determined in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph.

(i) Number of Test Runs. A sufficient number of test runs should be conducted for each airplane configuration desired by the applicant, in order to establish a representative distance that would be required in the event of a rejected takeoff at or below the takeoff decision speed V1.

(ii) Time Delays. The procedures outlined in paragraph 23.55b(12), apply appropriate time delays for the execution of retarding means related to the accelerate-stop operational procedures and for expansion of accelerate-stop data to be incorporated in the AFM.

(iii) Reverse Thrust. The stopping portion of the accelerate-stop test may not utilize reverse thrust unless the thrust reverser system is shown to be safe, reliable, and capable of giving repeatable results. Refer to paragraph 23.55c.

(2) Airport Elevation. Accelerate-stop runs at different airport elevations can be simulated at one airport elevation provided the braking speeds used include the entire energy range to be absorbed by the brakes. In sche duling the data for the AFM, the brake energy assumed should not exceed the maximum demonstrated in these tests.

(3) Braking Speeds. The braking speeds referred to herein are scheduled test speeds and need not correspond to the values to be scheduled in the AFM, since it is necessary to increase or decrease the braking speed to simulate the energy range and weight envelope.

(4) Number of Runs. At least two test runs are necessary for each configuration when multiple aerodynamic configurations are being shown to have the same braking coefficient of friction, unless sufficient data is available for the airplane model to account for variation of braking performance with weight, kinetic energy, lift, drag, ground speed, torque limit, and so forth. These runs should be made with the airplane weight and kinetic energy varying throughout the range for which takeoff data is scheduled. This will usually require at least six test runs. These tests are usually conducted on hard surfaced, dry runways.

(5) Alternate Approvals. For an alternate approval with antiskid inoperative, nose wheel brakes or one main wheel brake inoperative, auto braking systems, and so forth, a full set of tests, as mentioned in paragraph 23.55b(4), should normally be conducted. A lesser number 32

of tests may be accepted for "equal or better" demonstrations, or to establish small increments, or if adequate conservatism is used during testing.

(6) Maximum Energy Stop. A brake energy demonstration is needed to show compliance with the brake energy requirements. A maximum energy stop (or some lesser brake energy) is used to establish a distance that can be associated with the demonstrated kinetic energy. An applicant can choose any level of energy for demonstration providing that the AFM does not show performance beyond the demonstrated kinetic energy. The demonstration should be conducted at not less than maximum takeoff weight and should be preceded by a 3-mile taxi, including three full stops using normal braking and all engines operating. If installed, the propeller pitch controls should be applied in a manner that is consistent with procedures to be normally used in service. Following the stop at the maximum kinetic energy level demonstration, it is not necessary for the airplane to demonstrate its ability to taxi. The maximum kinetic airplane energy at which performance data is scheduled should not exceed the value for which a satisfactory after-stop condition exists. A satisfactory after-stop condition is defined as one in which fires are confined to tires, wheels, and brakes, and which would not result in a progressive engulfment of the remaining airplane during the time of passenger and crew evacuation. The application of fire fighting means or artificial coolants should not be required for a period of five minutes following the stop.

(7) Maximum Energy Stop from a Landing. In the event the applicant proposes to conduct the maximum energy rejected take-off (RTO) demonstration from a landing, a satisfactory accounting of the brake and tire temperatures that would have been generated during taxi and acceleration, required by paragraph 23.55b(6), should be made.

(8) Instrumentation. Either ground or airborne instrumentation should include a means to determine the horizontal distance-time history.

(9) Wind Speed. The wind speed and direction rela tive to the active runway should be determined. The height of the wind measurement should be noted to facilitate corrections to airplane wing level.

(10) Configurations. The accelerate-stop tests shoul d be conducted in the following configurations:

(i) Heavy to light weight, as required.

(ii) Most critical c.g. position.

(iii) Wing flaps in the takeoff position(s).

(iv) Tire pressure. Before taxi and with cold tires, set to the highest value appropriate for the takeoff weight for which approval is being sought.

(v) Engine. Set r.p.m. at applicant's recomm ended upper idle power limit, or the effect of maximum idle power may be accounted for in data analyses. For propeller equipped 33

aircraft, the propeller condition should also be considered. Refer to information in subparagraph

(11), Engine Power.

(11) Engine Power. Engine power should be appropriate to each segment of the rejected takeoff and account for thrust decay times. Refer to information in § 23.57(a)(2) in paragraph 23.55c(1). At the sel ected speed that corresponds to the required energy, the airplane is brought to a stop employing the acceptable braking means. For propeller equipped aircraft, the critical engine's propeller should be in the position it would normally assume when an engine fails and the power lever is closed. For turbojet aircraft, the critical engine’s power lever should be left in the position it is in when the engine fails unless there is an automatic system that moves it.

(i) High-Drag Propeller Position (for propeller equipped aircraft). The highdrag position (not reverse) of the remaining engines' propellers may be utilized provided adequate directional control can be demonstrated on a wet runway. Simulating wet runway controllability by disconnecting the nose wheel steering may be used. The use of the higher propeller drag position, that is, ground fine, is conditional on the presence of a throttle position that incorporates tactile feel that can consistently be selected in service by a pilot with average skill. It should be determined whether the throttle motions from takeoff power to this ground fine position are one or two distinctive motions. If it is deemed to be two separate motions, then accelerate-stop time delays should be determined accordingly and applied to expansion of data.

(ii) Reverse Thrust. Refer to paragraph 23.55c for other guidance on when reverse thrust may be used for propeller driven airplanes. Demonstration of full single engine reverse controllability on a wet runway and in a 10-knot adverse crosswind will be required.

Control down to zero speed is not essential, but a cancellation speed based on controllability can be declared and credit given for use of reverse thrust above that speed. The use of reverse thrust on one engine on a wet runway requires that the reverse thrust component be equally matched by a braking component and rudder use on the other side. Experience has shown that using reverse thrust with one engine inoperative requires brakes to be modulated differently between left and right while applying only partial reverse thrust, even on dry pavement. Disconnecting nose wheel steering will not adequately simulate a wet runway for a full reverse condition. The use of a reverse thrust propeller position is conditional on the presence of a throttle position, which incorporates tactile feel, that can consistently be selected in service by a pilot with average skill.

Selection of reverse thrust from takeoff power typically requires the power lever to be retarded to idle, a gate or latching mechanism to be overcome, and the power lever to be further retarded into the ground/reverse range. This is interpreted as three "distinctive motions," with each regarded as activation of a separate deceleration device. Accelerate-stop time delays should be determined accordingly and applied to expansion of data. Experience has shown that single engine thrust reverse, due to rudder blanking, may not be as critical as two-engine reverse, for controllability. If brake modulation is required and allo wed for steering, then the reduced braking must be accounted for in the stopping performance.

~ ~ I::::. , ~

(12) Accelerate-Stop Time Delays. Figure 5 is an illustration of the accelerate-stop time delays considered acceptable for compliance with § 23.45:

Figure 5 - Accelerate-Stop Time Delays VEF V1 ENGINE

FAILURE

ACTIVATION OF

FIRST DECEL DEVICE

ENGINE FAILURE

RECOGNITION trec

ACTIVATION OF

SECOND DECEL DEVICE t rec ta1 t a1 + t

ACTIVATION OF

THIRD DECEL DEVICE ta2 t a2 + t

DEMONSTRATION

TIME DELAYS

FLIGHT MANUAL

EXPANSION

TIME DELAYS

(i) trec = engine failure recognition time. The demonstrated time from engine failure to pilot action indicating recognition of the engine failure. For AFM data expansion purposes, it has been found practical to use the demonstrated time or one second, whichever is greater, in order to allow a time that can be executed consistently in service.

(ii) ta1 = the demonstrated time interval between activation of the first and second deceleration devices.

(iii) ta2 = the demonstrated time interval between activation of the second and third deceleration devices.

(iv) t = a one-second reaction time delay to account for in-service variations.

For AFM calculations, airplane deceleration is not allowed during the reaction time delays. If a command is required for another crewmember to actuate a deceleration device, a two-second delay, in lieu of the one-second delay, should be applied for each action. For automatic deceleration devices that are approved for performance credit for AFM data expansion, established times determined during certification testing may be used without the application of additional time delays required by this paragraph.

(v) The sequence for activation of deceleration devices may be selected by the applicant. If, on occasion, the desired sequence is not achieved during testing, the test need not be repeated; however, the demonstrated time interval may be used.

(13) The procedures used to determine accelerate-stop distance should be described in the normal and/or the emergency procedures section of the AFM. The procedures should also be repeated in the performance information section of the AFM so pilots clearly understand how aggressively the maneuver is performed in flight test so they can meet the published distances.

c. Use of Reverse Thrust. Section 23.55(b) permits means other than wheel brakes to be used in determining the stopping distance, when the conditions specified in § 23.55(b) are met. One of the conditions is that the means be safe and reliable.

(1) Reliable. Compliance with the "reliable" provision of the rule may be accomplished by an evaluation of the pitch changing/reversing system in accordance with § 23.1309. The methods of AC 23.1309-1 should be used in the evaluation, even though type-certificated engine or propeller systems may not have been subjected to the AC 23.1309-1 analysis during certification. Additionally, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) document ARP-926A, "Fault/Failure Analysis Procedure," will assist in conducting reliability and hazard assessments. Additionally, § 23.1309(d) requires the system to be designed to safeguard against hazards to the airplane in the event the system or any component thereof malfunctions or fails.

An acceptable means for showing compliance with the requirement would be to conduct a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) of the system. An acceptable analysis would show that the effects of any system or component malfunction or failure would not result in a hazard to the airplane and that the propeller reversing system is reliable. SAE document, ARP-926A, contains acceptable criteria for conducting such an analysis.

(2) Safe. Compliance with the "safe" pr ovisions of §§ 23.55 (b)(2) and 23.75(f)(1) will require an evaluation of the complete system, including operational aspects, to ensure no unsafe feature exists.

(i) Safe and reliable also means that it is extremely improbable that the system can mislead the flight crew or will allow gross asymmetric power settings, for example, forward thrust on one engine versus reverse thrust on the other. In achieving this level of reliability, the system should not increase crew workload or require excessive crew attention during a very dynamic time period. Also, the approved performance data should be such that the average pilot can duplicate this performance by following the AFM procedures.

6. § 23.57 Takeoff Path.

a. Section 23.57(a) .

(1) Explanation.

(i) The takeoff path requirements of § 23.57 and the reductions required by § 23.61 are established so that the AFM performance can be used in making the necessary decisions relative to takeoff weights when obstacles are present. Net takeoff flight path data should be presented in the AFM as required by § 23.1587(d)(6).

(ii) The required performance is provided in the AFM by either pictorial paths at various power-to-weight conditions with corrections for wind or by a series of charts for each segment along with a procedure for connecting these segments into a continuous path.

(2) Procedures.

(i) Section 23.57(a) requires that the takeoff path extend to the higher of where the airplane is 1500 feet above the takeoff surface or to the altitude at which the transition to en route configuration is complete and a speed is reached at which compliance with § 23.67(c)(3) is shown.

(ii) Section 23.66 requires the airplane not to be banked before reaching a height of 50 feet as shown by the net takeoff flight path data.

(iii) The AFM should contain information required to show compliance with the climb requirements of § 23.57 and § 23.67(c)(3). This should include information related to the transition from the takeoff configuration and speed to the en route configuration and speed. The effects of changes from takeoff power to maximum continuous power should also be included.

(iv) Generally, the AFM shows takeoff paths at low power to weight that include acceleration segments between 400 and 1500 feet and end at 1500 feet. At high power to weight, these takeoff paths extend considerably higher than 1500 feet above the takeoff surface. On some airplanes, either the takeoff speed schedules or the flap configuration, or both, do not require acceleration below 1500 feet, even at limiting performance gradients.

b. Section 23.57(a)(1) - Takeoff Path Power Conditions.

(1) Explanation. The takeoff path should represent the actual expected performance at all points. If the path is constructed by the segmental method, in accordance with § 23.57(d)(2) and § 23.57(d)(4), it should be conservative and should be supported by at least one demonstrated fly-out to the completed en route configuration. This is necessary to ensure all required crew actions do not adversely impact the required gradients.

(2) Procedures.

(i) To substantiate that the predicted takeoff path is representative of actual performance, the power used in its construction must comply with § 23.45. This requires, in part, that the power for any particular flight condition be that for the particular ambient atmospheric conditions that are assumed to exist along the path. The standard lapse rate for ambient temperature is specified in appendix 7 of this AC under "Standard Atmosphere" and should be used for power determination associated with each pressure altitude during the climb.

(ii) Section 23.57(c)(4) requires that the power up to 400 feet above the takeoff surface represents the power available along the path resulting from the power lever setting established during the initial ground roll in accordance with AFM procedures. This resulting power should represent the normal expected variations throughout the acceleration and climb to 400 feet and should not exceed the limits for takeoff power at any point.

(iii) A sufficient number of takeoffs, to at least the altitude above the takeoff surface scheduled for V2 climb, should be made to establish the power lapse resulting from a 37