Runways Sloping Uphill

Q: It seems to me that some runways go a little bit uphill. Is this true or are my eyes failing me?

Stop blinking. Runways often slope slightly, and some even dip toward the center and rise on both ends. The steepness of the grade often appears much greater than it is -- a trick of perspective. A typical grade is maybe one percent overall. And this is to accommodate the existing ground angle; runways are not intentionally canted to make takeoff or landing easier. Occasionally slight performance (weight) penalties apply if using an uphill strip.

Article added on September 20, 2005

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