Runway slope

Some runways are not level. One end is higher than the other. The diagram shows this as a percent, with the word UP or DOWN. The arrow shows which way. The FAA handbook explains the percent. A 3 percent slope means the height changes 3 feet in every 100 feet.

At Monterey, Runway 10R-28L shows 1.4% UP. The arrow points toward the Runway 28L end. The end elevations agree: 158 feet at the 10R end, and 257 feet at the 28L end. That is 99 feet of rise in 7,175 feet, about 1.4 percent.

Runway 10L-28R shows 1.7% UP. The Chart Supplement lists both slopes too. An uphill runway slows your takeoff run, so the takeoff roll is longer. A downhill runway makes it shorter. For landing, it is the opposite. Uphill shortens the landing roll, and downhill makes it longer.

At Monterey, a takeoff on Runway 10R goes uphill. A takeoff on Runway 28L goes downhill. Slope can also fool your eyes. The AIM says an upsloping runway can make you fly a lower approach. Landing on Runway 10R at Monterey, you land uphill. Watch for a low approach.

Salinas shows no slope. The legend prints slope only when it rounds to 0.3 percent or more. At Salinas, Runway 8-26 rises 14 feet, from 70 to 84, in 6,004 feet. That is about 0.2 percent. Before you fly to a new airport, check the slope. Uphill means a longer takeoff roll.

Next, runway lights.