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  • Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance › Takeoff and Landing Performance › Takeoff Performance

    Figure 11-19 illustrates the general effect of wind by the percent change in takeoff or landing distance as a function of the ratio of wind velocity to takeoff or landing speed. The effect of proper takeoff speed is especially ... important when runway lengths and takeoff distances are critical. The takeoff speeds specified in the AFM/POH are generally the minimum safe speeds at which the aircraft can become airborne. Any attempt to take off below the recommended speed means that…

  • Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance › Performance › Climb Performance

    Positive climb performance occurs when an aircraft gains PE by increasing altitude. Two basic factors, or a combination of the two factors, contribute to positive climb performance in most aircraft: 1. The aircraft climbs (gains PE) using excess power above ... that required to maintain level flight, or 2. The aircraft climbs by converting airspeed (KE) to altitude (PE). As an example of factor 1 above, an aircraft with an engine capable of producing 200 horsepower (at a given altitude…

  • Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight › Aerodynamic Forces in Flight Maneuvers › Forces in Descents

    Figure 5-36. Changes in lift during climb entry. The thrust required for a stabilized climb equals drag plus a percentage of weight dependent on the angle of climb. For example, a 10° climb would require thrust to equal drag ... plus 17 percent of weight. To climb straight up would require thrust to equal all of weight and drag. Therefore, the angle of climb for climb performance is dependent on the amount of excess thrust available to overcome a portion…

  • Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance › Takeoff and Landing Performance

    Takeoff and Landing Performance The majority of pilot-caused aircraft accidents occur during the takeoff and landing phase of flight. Because of this fact, the pilot must be familiar with all the variables that influence the takeoff and landing performance ... aircraft and must strive for exacting, professional procedures of operation during these phases of flight. Takeoff and landing performance is a condition of accelerated and decelerated motion. For instance, during takeoff an aircraft starts at zero speed and accelerates…

  • Chapter 6: Takeoffs and Departure Climbs › Soft/Rough-Field Takeoff and Climb › Initial Climb

    Initial Climb After a positive rate of climb is established, and the airplane has accelerated to VY, the pilot should retract the landing gear and flaps, if equipped. If departing from an airstrip with wet snow or slush ... takeoff surface, the gear should not be retracted immediately so that any wet snow or slush can be air-dried. In the event an obstacle needs to be cleared after a soft-field takeoff, the pilot should perform the climb…

  • Chapter 3: Basic Flight Maneuvers › Climbs and Climbing Turns

    Normal climb speed is generally higher than the airplane’s best rate of climb. The additional airspeed provides for better engine cooling, greater control authority, and better visibility over the nose of the airplane. Normal climb is sometimes referred ... cruise climb. ⦁ Best rate of climb (VY)—produces the most altitude gained over a given amount of time. This airspeed is typically used when initially departing a runway without obstructions until it is safe to transition to a normal…