Definition
The horizontal distance an aircraft travels along the runway surface during the ground portion of a takeoff or landing — from brake release to liftoff on takeoff, or from touchdown to a full stop (or taxi speed) on landing. It does not include any airborne portion of the maneuver.
Plain English
How far the aircraft rolls on the runway with its wheels on the ground — either while accelerating to fly, or while slowing down after touchdown.
Context Anchor
Seen in takeoff and landing performance planning, especially when checking whether a runway is long enough for the aircraft, weather, weight, and surface conditions.
Derivation
"Roll" here refers to the wheels rolling on the runway, distinguishing the ground portion from the airborne portion of the takeoff or landing.
Why Pilots Care
It tells the pilot whether the available runway is long enough for a safe takeoff or landing under current conditions.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane’s tire path along the runway: on takeoff, from brake release to liftoff; on landing, from touchdown to slowing enough to stop or leave the runway safely.
Intuition Check
“Roll” does not mean banking the airplane here. It means the airplane is moving along the runway on its wheels.
Example Sentence 1
At the planned weight and density altitude, the chart showed a takeoff roll distance of 1,400 feet, well within the runway available.
Example Sentence 2
Wet pavement lengthened the landing roll distance beyond the published dry-runway figure.