Definition
The four officially published runway length values used for performance planning at a given runway: Takeoff Run Available (TORA), Takeoff Distance Available (TODA), Accelerate-Stop Distance Available (ASDA), and Landing Distance Available (LDA). Each value states how much runway, plus any usable clearway or stopway, is available for a specific phase of takeoff or landing. Declared distances may be shorter than the full physical runway when displaced thresholds, obstacles, or other restrictions limit usable surface for that purpose.
Plain English
Four numbers published for a runway that tell you how much pavement you can actually use for taking off, for stopping if you abort, and for landing. They are not always the same as the full length of the runway.
Context Anchor
You will see runway declared distances in the Chart Supplement when checking airport runway data before a flight.
Derivation
"Declared" comes from the Latin declarare, meaning "to make clear" or "to state officially." These distances are formally stated by the airport authority rather than measured by the pilot, which is why the word "declared" is used.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots use these distances to confirm their aircraft can safely take off or land without exceeding available runway.
Grounding Statement
A runway can have one physical length painted on the airport, but several different usable lengths depending on whether you are taking off, stopping, or landing.
Intuition Check
Declared does not mean estimated or casually reported here. It means officially published for performance use.
Example Sentence 1
Before departure, the crew checked the runway declared distances in the Chart Supplement and confirmed the TODA was sufficient for their takeoff weight.
Example Sentence 2
Because of an obstacle near the departure end, the runway declared distances were shorter than the full pavement length.