Tutor Platform
Study note

Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

Sign in to generate a study note

From the FAA library

  • 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 9: Basic Flight Maneuvers › Normal Climb › Technique

    Normal Climb The entry into a climb from a hover has already been described in the Normal Takeoff from a Hover subsection; therefore, this discussion is limited to a climb entry from cruising flight. Technique To enter a climb ... cyclic to direct all of the increased power into lift and maintain the airspeed. Remember, a helicopter can climb with the nose down and descend with the nose up. Helicopter attitude changes mainly reflect acceleration or deceleration, not climb…

  • Chapter 7: Helicopter Performance › Sample Hover Problem 3 › Climb Performance

    then move left to 5-foot skid height. Drop down to read 66 percent torque required to hover. Climb Performance Figure 7-6. Torque required for cruise or level flight. Most of the factors affecting hover and takeoff performance also ... affect climb performance. In addition, turbulent air, pilot techniques, and overall condition of the helicopter can cause climb performance to vary. A helicopter flown at the best rate-of-climb speed (VY) obtains the greatest gain in altitude over…

  • 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 6: Takeoffs and Departure Climbs › Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb

    should reduce AOA to attain normal airspeed before attempting to fly out of the ground effect areas. Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb When performing takeoffs and climbs from fields where the takeoff area is short or the available ... takeoff area is restricted by obstructions, the pilot should operate the airplane at the maximum limit of its takeoff performance capabilities. To depart from such an area safely, the pilot needs to exercise positive and precise control of airplane attitude…