For a VFR flight away from the departure airport, which data must the PIC determine?

• A. Runway lengths at intended airports and the aircraft's takeoff and landing distance data
• B. Altitude of the sun
• C. The color of the aircraft
• D. The pilot's favorite route

Answer: (A)

Before flight, you must verify whether the airplane can operate safely from the planned runways. For a VFR flight away from the departure airport, this means determining the runway lengths at the airports you intend to use and the aircraft’s takeoff and landing distance data. Knowing these distances lets you confirm you can reach takeoff speed and become airborne within the available runway, and that you can slow to a stop within the runway length at your destination or an intended alternate if needed. It also accounts for factors that affect performance, like weight, temperature (density altitude), wind, and runway conditions. Data like the sun’s altitude, the aircraft’s color, or the pilot’s favorite route don’t influence the performance and runway requirements for takeoff and landing, so they aren’t necessary for this planning.