III.D.

Performance and Limitations________________________________________________

References:
1. FAA-H-3083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook)
2. AC 61-23 (Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
3. AC 61-84 (Role of Preflight Preparation)
4. AC 91-23 (Pilots Weight and Balance Handbook)
5. POH (Pilots Operating Handbook)
6. FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual

Objective To gain knowledge of the elements related to performance and limitations.

Elements 1. Determination of weight and balance condition

2. Use of performance charts, tables in determining performance
3. Effects of exceeding limitations
4. Effects of atmospheric conditions on performance
5. Determining if the required performance is within the airplane’s capabilities

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives 03

2. Review Material 02
3. Development 20
4. Conclusion 05

Equipment 1. Airplane Flying Handbook

2. Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
3. Pilot’s Operating Handbook
4. White board and markers
5. Model airplane

IP’s Actions 1. Discuss lesson objectives

2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions

SP’s Actions 1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion This lesson will be complete when the student demonstrates an understanding of the elements
Standards related to Performance and Limitations.

III.D. Performance and Limitations

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Instructor’s Notes: Performance and Limitations_____________________________________
INTRODUCTION:

WHAT? – Airplane performance can be defined as the ability to operate or function…i.e., the ability of an
airplane to accomplish certain thing that make it useful for certain purposes.

WHY ? - A pilot must be familiar with the performance of their Airplane and the required performance for all
phases of flight. Failure to may result in catastrophe and is irresponsible.

OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Airplane Weight and Balance, including:

1.) Determination of weight and balance condition

2.) Use of performance charts, tables in determining performance
3.) Determining if the required performance is within the airplane’s capabilities
4.) Effects of exceeding limitations
5.) Effects of atmospheric conditions on performance

DEVELOPMENT:

HOW ?
1.) Determination of weight and balance condition
A.) Weight and Balance is a matter of concern to all pilots. The pilot must assume control over the loading
and fuel management. He must ensure that the CG will remain within the limits during the entire flight.
See POH pg. 6-11
1. Do weight and Balance
2. Check to see that it is within the envelope
B.) At any time, the CG is simply the sum of all moments divided by the sum of all weights.
2.) Use of performance charts, tables in determining performance
A.) Temperature Conversion pg 5-11
B.) Wind Components pg 5-13b
C.) 0 deg / 25 deg Takeoff / Ground Roll pg 5-14 thru 5-17
D.) Engine Performance pg 5-18
1. Assumed Gross Weight 2325lbs
E.) Climb Performance pg 5-19
1. Assumed Gross Weight 2325lbs
F.) Fuel, Time and Distance to Climb pg 5-20
1. Assumed Gross Weight 2325lbs
G.) Best Power Cruise Performance pg 5-21
1. Assumed Gross Weight 2325lbs
H.) Best Economy Cruise Performance pg 5-22
1. Assumed Gross Weight 2325lbs
I.) Best Power Mixture Range pg 5-23
1. Assumed Gross Weight 2325lbs
J.) Best Economy Mixture Range pg 5-24
1. Assumed Gross Weight 2325lbs
K.) Endurance pg 5-25
L.) Fuel Time and Distance to Descend pg 5-26
1. No Wind Factored in
2. Must perform twice
a) Once for Cruise Altitude
b) Once for Destination Altitude

M.) Glide Performance pg 5-27

1. Assumed Gross Weight 2325lbs
2. No Wind Factored in
N.) Landing Distance pg 5-28
III.D. Performance and Limitations
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 1. Assumed Gross Weight 2325lbs
2. Paved, Level, Dry Runway
3.) Determining if the required performance is within the airplane’s capabilities
A.) To determine that the required performance is within the airplane’s capabilities and consider everything
discussed here.
B.) We must develop the habit and understand how to determine the required performance and limitations of
the airplane that we are flying.
C.) Remember, the performance charts in the POH do not make allowance for pilot proficiency, or
mechanical deterioration (other than a new engine) of the airplane.
4.) Effects of exceeding limitations
A.) Attempting to takeoff or land without enough runway
B.) Exceeding the airplanes structural limits by being over gross weight and/or excessive load factors out of
CG range
C.) Not calculating cross wind component
5.) Effects of atmospheric conditions on performance
A.) Air density is perhaps the single most important factor affecting airplane performance. As air density
decreases, so does airplane performance.
1. Temperature, altitude, barometric pressure and humidity all affect air density.
a) The density of the air DECREASES
(1) As air temperature INCREASES
(2) As altitude INCREASES
(3) As barometric pressure DECREASES
(4) As humidity INCREASES
2. The engine produces power in proportion to the weight or density of the air.
a) As air density decreases, the power output of the engine decreases.
3. The propeller produces thrust in proportion to the mass of air being accelerated through the rotating
blades.
a) If the air is less dense, the propeller efficiency is decreased.
4. The wings produce lift as a result of the air passing over and under them.
a) As air is less dense, the lift efficiency of the wing decreases.
B.) Conditions which effect your airplane’s Takeoff performance are
1. As density altitude increases, takeoff performance decreases.
2. A head wind will shorten the takeoff run and increase the angle of climb.
3. A tail wind will increase the takeoff run and decrease the angle of climb.
4. A runway that is muddy, wet, soft, rough, or covered with snow or tall grass has a retarding force and
increases the takeoff distance.
5. On takeoff, an up slope runway provides a retarding force which impedes acceleration, resulting in a
longer ground run. Down slope will shorten the distance.
C.) Conditions which effect your airplane’s Cruise performance are
1. A head wind during flight has an effect on performance. It decreases ground speed and consequently
increases the total amount of fuel consumed for that flight.
2. A tail wind during flight increases the ground speed and conserves fuel.

III.D. Performance and Limitations

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 D.) Conditions which effect your airplane’s Landing performance are
1. Required landing distances differ due to changes in air density and other factors.
2. However, indicated airspeed for landing is the same for your airplane at all altitudes.
3. A headwind will steepen the approach angle and shorten the landing roll.
4. A tailwind will decrease the approach angle and increase the landing roll.
5. NOTE: Downwind operations should be considered very carefully before the pilot attempts them.
6. A runway that is muddy, wet, soft, rough, or covered with snow or tall grass will decrease the
landing roll.
7. However, ice or snow covering the surface will affect braking action and increase the landing roll
considerably.
8. Landing uphill usually results in a shorter landing roll.
9. Downhill operations will usually increase the landing roll.

PRIVATE PTS
1.) Exhibits knowledge by explaining use of charts, tables and determines performance and the adverse effects of
exceeding limitations
2.) Computes Weight and balance including adding, removing, and shifting weight
A.) Determines if the weight and COG remain within limits during all phases of flight
3.) Describes effects of atmospheric conditions on performance
4.) Determines whether computed performance is within the airplane’s capabilities

COMMERCIAL PTS
1.) Exhibits knowledge by explaining use of charts, tables and determines performance and the adverse effects of
exceeding limitations
2.) Describes effects of various atmospheric conditions on performance to include
A.) Calibrated Airspeed
B.) True Airspeed
C.) Pressure Altitude
D.) Density Altitude
3.) Computes Weight and balance including adding, removing, and shifting weight
4.) Determines if the weight and COG remain within limits during all phases of flight
5.) Determines whether computed performance is within the airplane’s capabilities

COMPLETION
STANDARDS:
1. This lesson will be complete when student has adequate understanding and can compute Airplane
Performance and Limitations.

III.D. Performance and Limitations

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