What defines the accelerate-stop distance available for an aircraft?

The accelerate-stop distance available for an aircraft is best defined by considering the length of the stopway, if available.

This distance accounts for the scenario where an aircraft must abort takeoff after reaching a certain speed (V1) and requires a safe area beyond the runway to decelerate to a complete stop. The stopway is a defined portion of the runway intended to provide additional length to safely bring an aircraft to a halt without exceeding the runway's physical limitations. The clearway, while important for calculations related to takeoff performance, does not contribute to the distance needed for stopping after an aborted takeoff.

Understanding this concept is crucial for ensuring aircraft safety during takeoff, as it helps pilots, engineers, and operational teams to assess whether the runway and associated safety areas are adequate for the specific performance characteristics of the aircraft being operated.