What could happen if a clearway exceeds 1/2 TORA?

If a clearway exceeds half of the Takeoff Run Available (TORA), it could lead to unsafe take-off conditions. This is because clearways are designated areas that provide additional space beyond the runway for the aircraft to take off safely in case of an engine failure during the initial climb. However, if the clearway is excessively long, it may indicate that the aircraft is expected to clear obstacles at too high a weight or with inadequate performance margins, increasing the risk of an accident.

The relationship between clearway length and TORA is crucial in ensuring that the aircraft can achieve proper take-off performance. Exceeding this threshold can result in the take-off being initiated without enough safety buffers, particularly concerning engine failures or performance calculations, thereby compromising the safety margins that pilots rely on during take-off.

In this context, the other options do not address the implications of having an extended clearway effectively. For instance, while a long clearway may complicate procedures or be accounted for in calculations, the core issue remains one of safety and performance, which is paramount in aviation operations.