Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance Flashcards
What factors affect aircraft performance?
- Aircraft weight
- Atmospheric conditions
- Runway environment
- Physical laws governing forces
What does the performance section of the AFM/POH provide?
Operating data for takeoff, climb, range, endurance, descent, and landing.
What is standard atmospheric pressure at sea level?
29.92 inches of mercury (Hg) or 1013.2 millibars (mb).
What is the standard temperature lapse rate?
2°C or 3.5°F per 1,000 feet up to 36,000 feet.
What is density altitude?
Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature variations.
What are the effects of high density altitude?
- Reduced power
- Reduced thrust
- Reduced lift
What is the formula for determining pressure altitude?
Set the altimeter to 29.92 and read the indicated altitude, or use a correction factor for the altimeter setting.
What is VY?
The speed for the best rate of climb, providing the greatest altitude gain per unit of time.
What is VX?
The speed for the best angle of climb, providing the greatest altitude gain per unit of distance.
What is maximum range speed?
The speed at which the ratio of speed to fuel flow is maximized.
What is the region of reversed command?
A flight regime where a lower airspeed requires higher power to maintain level flight.
What is hydroplaning?
A condition where the aircraft tires ride on a thin layer of water, reducing braking effectiveness.
What factors increase takeoff distance?
- High gross weight
- High density altitude
- Tailwind
- Runway slope or poor surface
What factors increase landing distance?
- High gross weight
- High density altitude
- Tailwind
- Wet or slippery runways
What is the effect of a headwind on takeoff and landing distances?
Decreases takeoff and landing distances by reducing groundspeed at liftoff or touchdown.
