Which statement describes the correct criterion for accelerate-stop distance during IFR departure with passengers?

• A. Runway length
• B. Runway length plus taxiway
• C. Runway length plus clearway
• D. Runway length plus stop-way

Answer: (D)

Accelerate-stop distance is the distance needed to safely abort a takeoff and bring the airplane to a full stop. For IFR departures with passengers, you must ensure the available distance is enough to cover that scenario, not just the runway itself.

The correct criterion uses runway length plus any stop-way. The stop-way is a paved area beyond the runway end designed to support an airplane during deceleration in an aborted takeoff. It is specifically counted in the accelerate-stop distance available. If a stop-way isn’t present, the accelerate-stop distance available is just the runway length. Areas like taxiways or clearways aren’t used to compute this distance, because they aren’t intended to provide the space needed to decelerate after an abort.

So, the relevant available distance is runway length plus stop-way, which is why that option is the proper choice.