[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 14, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 14CFR23.57]

[Page 181]
 
                     TITLE 14--AERONAUTICS AND SPACE
 
CHAPTER I--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 23--AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES--Table of Contents
 
                            Subpart B--Flight
 
Sec. 23.57  Takeoff path.

    For each commuter category airplane, the takeoff path is as follows:
    (a) The takeoff path extends from a standing start to a point in the 
takeoff at which the airplane is 1500 feet above the takeoff surface at 
or below which height the transition from the takeoff to the enroute 
configuration must be completed; and
    (1) The takeoff path must be based on the procedures prescribed in 
Sec. 23.45;
    (2) The airplane must be accelerated on the ground to VEF 
at which point the critical engine must be made inoperative and remain 
inoperative for the rest of the takeoff; and
    (3) After reaching VEF, the airplane must be accelerated 
to V2.
    (b) During the acceleration to speed V2, the nose gear 
may be raised off the ground at a speed not less than VR. 
However, landing gear retraction must not be initiated until the 
airplane is airborne.
    (c) During the takeoff path determination, in accordance with 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section--
    (1) The slope of the airborne part of the takeoff path must not be 
negative at any point;
    (2) The airplane must reach V2 before it is 35 feet above 
the takeoff surface, and must continue at a speed as close as practical 
to, but not less than V2, until it is 400 feet above the 
takeoff surface;
    (3) At each point along the takeoff path, starting at the point at 
which the airplane reaches 400 feet above the takeoff surface, the 
available gradient of climb must not be less than--
    (i) 1.2 percent for two-engine airplanes;
    (ii) 1.5 percent for three-engine airplanes;
    (iii) 1.7 percent for four-engine airplanes; and
    (4) Except for gear retraction and automatic propeller feathering, 
the airplane configuration must not be changed, and no change in power 
that requires action by the pilot may be made, until the airplane is 400 
feet above the takeoff surface.
    (d) The takeoff path to 35 feet above the takeoff surface must be 
determined by a continuous demonstrated takeoff.
    (e) The takeoff path to 35 feet above the takeoff surface must be 
determined by synthesis from segments; and
    (1) The segments must be clearly defined and must be related to 
distinct changes in configuration, power, and speed;
    (2) The weight of the airplane, the configuration, and the power 
must be assumed constant throughout each segment and must correspond to 
the most critical condition prevailing in the segment; and
    (3) The takeoff flight path must be based on the airplane's 
performance without utilizing ground effect.

[Amdt. 23-34, 52 FR 1827, Jan. 15, 1987, as amended by Amdt. 23-50, 61 
FR 5185, Feb. 9, 1996]