What is the maximum runway slope?

• A. +/- 1%
• B. +/- 3%
• C. +/- 2%
• D. 0%

Answer: (C)

Runway slope changes how far you need to roll for takeoff and how braking behaves on landing, so pilots rely on limits tied to performance data. In standard practice, the maximum slope the data and procedures are prepared to cover is two percent, in either direction. This means the runway can rise or fall by 2 units for every 100 units of length. Steeper slopes would push performance beyond what the charts assume, affecting takeoff distance, climb capability, and landing braking safety. A level runway is not the maximum; a small slope like one percent is within limits, while three percent exceeds what the data support. So the official maximum is two percent uphill or downhill.