For which aircraft is the "clearway" significant in computing takeoff weight limitations?

The significance of clearway in computing takeoff weight limitations is specifically important for turbine-engine-powered transport airplanes that are certificated after September 30, 1958. The clearway is a defined area beyond the end of the runway that is free of obstacles and provides additional length for aircraft to gain altitude following a takeoff. For these types of aircraft, particularly those that rely on jet engines, the availability of a clearway allows for a higher takeoff weight. This is because the aircraft needs sufficient distance and safety margins to ensure a successful takeoff, particularly in the event of an engine failure.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations recognize the clearway as a beneficial consideration for modern turbine-engine aircraft due to their operational requirements and performance characteristics. Clearways can increase the feasible takeoff weight since they provide additional space to allow an aircraft to reach the required climb performance.

Other aircraft types, such as single-engine aircraft, light-sport aircraft, and glider aircraft, do not typically benefit from the same regulations and performance calculations related to clearways because they operate under different regulatory criteria that take different safety and operational factors into account.