Definition
A defined rectangular area on the ground or water at the departure end of a runway, under the control of the airport authority, selected or prepared as a suitable area over which an aircraft may make a portion of its initial climb to a specified height. A clearway is not part of the runway itself but may be used in takeoff performance calculations for certain aircraft, allowing a longer takeoff distance to be credited beyond the runway end.
Plain English
An open, obstacle-free area just past the end of the runway that a departing aircraft can climb over safely. It isn't runway, but it counts as extra space for takeoff planning.
Context Anchor
Seen in runway data, airport information, and takeoff performance planning.
Derivation
From 'clear' (free of obstructions) plus 'way' (a path or route). The name describes its function directly: a path kept clear beyond the runway.
Why Pilots Care
It increases the effective length available for takeoff performance, potentially allowing heavier loads or operations from shorter runways.
Intuition Check
Do not read “clearway” as “extra runway.” It means protected open space for climb, not surface for ground roll.
Example Sentence 1
The takeoff performance chart allowed the crew to include 200 feet of clearway when calculating their maximum allowable takeoff weight.
Example Sentence 2
Runway 27 has a 500-foot clearway that improves takeoff performance margins.