New InFO Advises Flight Crews on Proper Sources for Runway Length Data

Feb. 5, 2026

NBAA welcomed a recently published FAA Information for Operators (InFO) notice addressing the potential for misapplication or misinterpretation of published runway length data sources by flight crews.

Runway Data Publication Sources and Use of Runway Length Data to Prevent Overruns” (InFO 26004) details where to find certain runway information necessary for accurate aircraft performance calculations.

The InFO warned operators not to rely solely on the runway lengths found in FAA airport diagrams, 10-9/10-9A charts or from their aircraft’s flight management system in performance calculations, as these sources may not reflect the correct, or most current, data.

“If using a commercially produced flight publication to obtain this information, the pilot or operator should know the runway length terminology referenced in those products,” as well as any limitations of those products when computing takeoff and landing performance or in-flight landing distance requirements, the notice said.

“It is strongly recommended that all operators reference the appropriate FAA Chart Supplement for runway declared distance information for preflight planning or in-flight landing distance assessments,” the InFO added.

The supplement will include takeoff distance available, takeoff run available, accelerate-stop distance available and landing distance available, all of which may reduce the actual, usable portion of the runway.

Richard Boll, chair of the NBAA Domestic Operations Committee’s Airspace and Flight Technologies Subcommittee, noted the InFO stemmed from work by the FAA’s Transport Aircraft Performance Planning working group, on which NBAA serves as industry co-chair.

“Through its oversight process, the FAA found that flight crews often referred to potentially inaccurate sources when seeking runway data to calculate takeoff and landing performance, which was concerning,” he said. “With the help of the commercial chart provider and the TAPP WG, the FAA developed this InFO to remind pilots that airport diagrams provide general information for navigating the airport environment. They are not intended for performance planning.”

Operators are further advised that airport charts and diagrams may not be updated immediately, Boll added. Changes to taxiway configuration or airport surface characteristics, or small increases/decreases in runway length, are often held for the next major update.