Definition
The length of the takeoff run available plus the length of the stopway, if such stopway is declared available by the appropriate authority and is capable of bearing the mass of the aircraft under prevailing operating conditions.
Plain English
The total runway distance a pilot has available to start a takeoff and then stop the aircraft safely if the takeoff has to be abandoned. It includes the usable runway plus any extra paved area at the end (called a stopway) that has been officially approved for stopping on.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport runway data and aircraft performance planning, especially when checking whether there is enough distance to safely reject a takeoff and stop.
Derivation
From the aviation procedure of 'accelerating' to takeoff speed and then 'stopping' if a problem occurs (such as an engine failure) before the aircraft is committed to fly. ICAO is the International Civil Aviation Organization, which sets standardized terms used worldwide.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing this distance ensures the aircraft has sufficient runway to safely accelerate or stop during a rejected takeoff, which is critical for preventing runway excursions.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as the distance the aircraft needs. It is the distance the airport declares available; the aircraft’s required distance must fit within it.
Example Sentence 1
Before departure, the crew checked the accelerate-stop distance available for runway 27 and confirmed it exceeded the aircraft's required accelerate-stop distance for the day's weight and temperature.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots consult the accelerate-stop distance available to confirm they can abort the takeoff before reaching the end of the usable pavement.