Work out aircraft take off distance instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Take-off ground roll grows with pressure altitude and temperature because both reduce air density, and shrinks with headwind. This applies the classic rules of thumb used on performance charts: about +7% per 1,000 ft of pressure altitude, about +1% per degree above ISA, roughly -1.3% per knot of headwind and +4.5% per knot of tailwind. The 50 ft obstacle figure uses the common 1.45x factor on ground roll.
Take-off distance
TODR = ground roll x (1 + 0.07 x PA/1000) x (1 + 0.01 x (OAT - ISA)) x wind factor
Aviation results are planning estimates only. Always verify take-off, landing, fuel, weight and balance figures against the certified Aircraft Flight Manual, current performance charts and applicable aviation regulations before flight.
Thinner air produces less thrust and less lift at a given indicated speed, so the aircraft must accelerate over more ground before reaching lift-off speed.
Yes. A tailwind penalty per knot is roughly three times the headwind benefit per knot, which is why most take-off charts limit tailwind components to 10 knots or less.