Which statement about takeoff distance is true?

• A. Takeoff distance is typically shorter than the one-engine inoperative distance.
• B. Takeoff distance is always longer than the one-engine inoperative distance.
• C. Takeoff distance is not used in performance calculations.
• D. Takeoff distance must be zero on dry runways.

Answer: (A)

Takeoff distance is the runway length required to accelerate to liftoff speed and become airborne under normal engine operation. When an engine fails, thrust is reduced and drag from asymmetrical thrust increases, so the aircraft needs more runway to reach liftoff speed and to continue the takeoff safely. Because of that extra workload and performance loss, the distance required with one engine inoperative is longer than the normal takeoff distance. So the statement that takeoff distance is typically shorter than the one-engine inoperative distance is the best choice. The other options don’t fit because takeoff distance is indeed used in performance calculations, an engine failure won’t make takeoff distance zero, and the distance isn’t zero on a dry runway.