Definition
A set of published runway distances that define how much pavement is officially available for specific phases of takeoff and landing. The four declared distances are: Takeoff Run Available (TORA), Takeoff Distance Available (TODA), Accelerate-Stop Distance Available (ASDA), and Landing Distance Available (LDA). They may be shorter than the full physical runway length when obstacles, displaced thresholds, stopways, or clearways change what is usable for each phase.
Plain English
The official figures that tell you exactly how much runway you can use for each part of takeoff or landing. They are not always the same as the full length of the pavement.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport runway data, Chart Supplement information, airport diagrams, and instrument procedure design discussions.
Derivation
Declared' comes from the Latin declarare, meaning to make clear or announce officially. The airport authority formally announces these distances so pilots know what is officially usable, rather than guessing from the visible pavement.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots rely on these published lengths to confirm their aircraft can safely take off or stop within the available runway under current weight and weather conditions.
Grounding Statement
Declared distances are the official usable runway numbers for each kind of runway operation.
Intuition Check
Do not assume declared distances mean the runway’s physical length. They mean the official usable distances published for takeoff, stopping, and landing.
Example Sentence 1
Before departure, the captain checked the declared distances for runway 27 and confirmed the takeoff run available was sufficient for their weight.
Example Sentence 2
Construction had shortened the declared distances, so the crew adjusted their landing calculations accordingly.