FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Aircraft Performance and Weight and BalanceHard
Per 14 CFR Part 25 certification standards, what is the minimum required second-segment climb gradient for a two-engine transport category airplane with the landing gear retracted, takeoff flaps set, and one engine inoperative?
- A2.4%
- B5.0%
- C3.0%
- D1.2%
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 2.4%
Per 14 CFR 25.121, the minimum second-segment climb gradient with one engine inoperative, gear up, and takeoff flaps for a two-engine airplane is 2.4%. This ensures adequate obstacle clearance capability after an engine failure during the initial climb.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 5.0% exceeds the certification requirement and is not specified for second-segment climb.
- C. 3.0% is not the two-engine requirement; four-engine airplanes require a different (higher) percentage for other segments.
- D. 1.2% is not a certification standard for second-segment climb of any transport category configuration.
Second Segment Climb Gradient
The minimum climb gradient required with the critical engine inoperative, gear retracted, and takeoff flaps, from the point of gear retraction to 400 feet AGL.
- Two-engine airplanes: 2.4% minimum
- Three-engine airplanes: 2.7% minimum
- Four-engine airplanes: 3.0% minimum
Memory trick: 'Two, three, four engines—2.4, 2.7, 3.0 gradients climbing'