Aircraft Performance Flashcards
Main elements of aircraft performance
Takeoff and Landing distance Rate of Climb Ceiling Payload Range Speed Fuel Economy Maneuverability Stability
What factors affect performance during takeoffs and landings?
Air density (density altitude) Surface wind Runway Surface Slope of runway Weight
How does increased weight affect takeoff and landing?
Higher liftoff speed
Greater mass to accelerate
Increased retarding force (friction, drag)
Longer takeoff distance
What effect does an increase in density altitude have on takeoff and landing?
Increased takeoff distance (great TAS req’d)
Reduced rate of climb (decreased thrust)
Increased true airspeed on approach and landing
Increased landing roll distance
Density Altitude
pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature. the vertical distance above sea level in the atmosphere at which a given density is found
How does air density affect performance?
Direct effect on: lift produced, power output of engine, propeller efficiency, drag forces
What factors affect air density?
Altitude: the higher the alt, the less dense the air
Temp: the warmer the air, the less dense it is
Humidity: more humid air is less dense
How does temperature, altitude and humidity affect density altitude?
- Density altitude increases (low air density) with higher temp, altitude and humidity
- Density altitude decreases (high air density) with lower temp, altitude and humidity
Vso
Stall speed in landing configuration (37 KIAS)
Vs1
Stall speed clean configuration (41 KIAS)
Vy
Best rate of climb (62 KIAS)
Vx
Best angle of climb (57 KIAS)
Vle
Max landing gear extension speed
VLO
Max landing gear operating speed
Vfe
Max flaps extended (100, 85, 70 KIAS)
