AF Form 4040: C-21 TOLD Card Guide & Download

AF Form 4040: C-21 TOLD Card Guide & Download – The AF Form 4040, officially titled C-21 Takeoff/Landing Data (TOLD), serves as the standardized card for documenting critical performance calculations for the U.S. Air Force’s C-21 aircraft. Pilots use this form (or approved electronic equivalents) to ensure safe takeoff and landing performance under specific environmental and aircraft conditions.

Accurate TOLD calculations remain a cornerstone of aviation safety, helping crews verify that the runway length, aircraft weight, and weather conditions allow sufficient margins for takeoff and landing.

What Is the C-21 Aircraft?

The C-21 is the military version of the Learjet 35A, a twin-turbofan business jet primarily used for passenger and cargo airlift, as well as limited aeromedical evacuation (one litter or five ambulatory patients). It supports operational support airlift (OSA) missions, transporting high-priority personnel, and can carry up to eight passengers plus limited cargo. Key performance features include a high cruise speed, excellent climb capability, and operations up to 45,000 feet.

Crews operate the C-21 under strict USAF procedures outlined in AFMAN 11-2C-21V3, C-21 Operations Procedures.

Purpose of AF Form 4040 (C-21 TOLD)

Takeoff and Landing Data (TOLD) cards provide a quick-reference summary of performance numbers tailored to the specific flight conditions. For the C-21, AF Form 4040 captures both takeoff and landing data in dedicated sections.

Key reasons for completing the TOLD card:

  • Verify that the aircraft can safely accelerate, rotate, and climb (takeoff) or decelerate and stop (landing) on the available runway.
  • Account for variables like aircraft weight, pressure altitude, temperature, wind, and runway conditions (e.g., dry, wet, or contaminated via Runway Condition Reading – RCR).
  • Ensure compliance with flight manual (T.O. 1C-21A-1-1) performance data and regulatory requirements.
  • Support crew coordination — both pilots verify inputs and transcription when using electronic TOLD tools.

The Pilot in Command (PIC) must ensure all blocks on the AF Form 4040 are filled out prior to engine start (T-3 compliance). MAJCOM-approved electronic TOLD applications (such as C-21A eTOLD) can serve as the primary calculation tool, but crews must still post accurate data on the physical or approved form and cross-verify.

How to Use AF Form 4040?

Crews derive data primarily from the C-21 Aircraft Flight Manual (Performance Data section) and approved flight planning tools.

Typical inputs and calculations include:

  • Aircraft weight (zero fuel weight, takeoff weight, landing weight, estimated fuel burn).
  • Environmental conditions: Pressure altitude (PA), outside air temperature (OAT), density altitude, wind direction/speed (headwind/crosswind components).
  • Runway information: Available runway length, slope, surface condition (RCR values: 23 for dry concrete as standard; lower for wet/icy).
  • Configuration: Flap settings, anti-ice usage, etc.
  • Performance outputs:
    • Takeoff: Accelerate-stop distance, takeoff distance, decision speed (V1 if applicable), rotation speed (VR), takeoff safety speed (V2), climb gradients.
    • Landing: Landing distance required (over 50 ft obstacle or ground roll), approach speed (Vref), go-around considerations.

Crews calculate headwind/crosswind components and adjust for runway contamination per the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM) in the FLIP Flight Information Handbook. For wet or contaminated runways, specific adjustments from the flight manual apply. Do not operate on reported RCR values below 6 in most cases.

Verification process:

  1. Calculate using flight manual charts or eTOLD software.
  2. Both pilots independently verify input data and outputs.
  3. Transcribe to AF Form 4040.
  4. Brief the numbers during the takeoff/landing data review.

Download the official blank AF Form 4040 directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/form/af4040/af4040.pdf.

Note: Always use the most current version of the form and supporting technical orders. The form dates to 1 March 1999 but remains the authorized format per current AFMAN 11-2C-21V3 (updated as of 2024).

Integration with Broader USAF Procedures

AF Form 4040 supports the requirements of AFMAN 11-202 Volume 3 (General Flight Rules) and the C-21-specific manual. TOLD calculations integrate with fuel planning, weight & balance, and mission planning using AMC-approved software and the C-21 flight manual.

For contaminated or slippery runways, crews convert reported braking action to equivalent RCR and apply conservative performance penalties. Electronic tools help speed calculations while maintaining the requirement for dual verification and posting on the card.

Why Accurate TOLD Matters?

Incorrect or incomplete takeoff/landing data has contributed to aviation incidents across military and civilian operations. On the C-21, proper use of AF Form 4040 helps prevent runway overruns, ensure obstacle clearance, and maintain required climb performance, especially at high-altitude, high-temperature airfields or when operating near maximum gross weight.

Units often develop local procedures for recurring missions, but baseline requirements in AFMAN 11-2C-21V3 cannot be reduced.

Best Practices for C-21 Aircrew

  • Complete TOLD as early as practical during preflight.
  • Use current weather (METAR/TAF) and NOTAMs for the departure and destination.
  • Recompute if conditions change significantly (weight, weather, runway assignment).
  • Carry or have access to the physical form even when using eTOLD.
  • Include TOLD review in crew briefings.

For the latest guidance, consult:

  • AFMAN 11-2C-21V3 (C-21 Operations Procedures)
  • T.O. 1C-21A-1-1 (Flight Manual)
  • AFMAN 11-202V3 (General Flight Rules)
  • Official Air Force e-Publishing portal

Download AF Form 4040 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/form/af4040/af4040.pdf

Safe flying starts with thorough planning. Mastering the AF Form 4040 ensures every C-21 mission begins and ends with the right performance margins.

This article is for informational purposes and references official USAF publications. Aircrew must always refer to current directives, technical orders, and unit supplements for operational use.