14 CFR §23.2120
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
The design must comply with the following minimum climb performance out of ground effect:
- (a)With all engines operating and in the initial climb configuration(s)—
- (b)After a critical loss of thrust on multiengine airplanes—
- (1)For levels 1 and 2 low-speed airplanes that do not meet single-engine crashworthiness requirements, a climb gradient of 1.5 percent at a pressure altitude of 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) in the cruise configuration(s);
- (2)For levels 1 and 2 high-speed airplanes, and level 3 low-speed airplanes, a 1 percent climb gradient at 400 feet (122 meters) above the takeoff surface with the landing gear retracted and flaps in the takeoff configuration(s); and
- (3)For level 3 high-speed airplanes and all level 4 airplanes, a 2 percent climb gradient at 400 feet (122 meters) above the takeoff surface with the landing gear retracted and flaps in the approach configuration(s).
- (c)For a balked landing, a climb gradient of 3 percent without creating undue pilot workload with the landing gear extended and flaps in the landing configuration(s).