Runway slope can do what to required landing distance?

• A. Increase or decrease required distance.
• B. No effect.
• C. Always decreases distance.
• D. Always increases distance.

Answer: (A)

Runway slope changes the distance needed to stop because gravity adds a component along the runway that either aids forward motion after touchdown or resists it. On a downslope in the landing direction, gravity helps the airplane accelerate along the surface, increasing the stopping distance. On an upslope, gravity opposes the motion, reducing forward speed and shortening the stopping distance. Because the slope can either help or hinder braking, the required landing distance can either increase or decrease depending on the slope direction. There’s no universal rule that it always decreases or always increases.