Definition
One of the four risk factors used in the PAVE checklist (Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures), listed under the Aircraft category. It refers to the suitability of the runways at the departure, destination, and any alternate airports for the aircraft being flown — including length, width, surface condition, slope, and whether the aircraft's performance allows safe takeoff and landing under the existing conditions.
Plain English
Before a flight, the pilot looks at the runways they plan to use and asks: are they long enough, in good enough condition, and safe enough for this airplane on this day? If not, the flight needs to be rethought.
Context Anchor
Used during preflight planning and before takeoff or landing when deciding whether the airport and aircraft match the planned operation.
Why Pilots Care
Selecting a runway that is not truly available can result in an overrun or insufficient climb performance.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “available” means any runway that exists at the airport. Here it means a runway that is usable for your operation right now.
Example Sentence 1
When evaluating runways available, the pilot noted that the destination strip was only 2,200 feet long — too short for a safe landing at the planned weight.
Example Sentence 2
With a strong crosswind, the shorter runway was no longer available for landing.