Definition
The total length of runway available for takeoff, plus the length of any clearway beyond the runway end. Clearway is a defined area beyond the runway, free of obstructions, that a departing aircraft may fly over while climbing to a specified height.
Plain English
How much distance you have to lift off and start climbing — the runway itself plus any clear, obstruction-free area beyond it that you're allowed to use during the initial climb.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport declared-distance information and takeoff performance planning, especially at airports where not every runway distance is the same.
Why Pilots Care
It determines whether the available runway and any clearway are long enough for a safe takeoff under current weight, temperature, and wind conditions.
Intuition Check
Do not assume TODA means only the paved runway. In this context, it means the officially declared takeoff distance, which may include an approved clearway beyond the runway.
Example Sentence 1
Before departing the short runway, the pilot checked the TODA in the Chart Supplement to confirm the aircraft could take off and clear the obstacles in the climb.
Example Sentence 2
A clearway at the end of the runway increased the TODA, allowing a higher takeoff weight.