AviationPerformance and limitations
On the ground, you work out the weight and balance and the performance of the airplane for the flight, and show it stays within its limits. It is Task F of Area I, Preflight Preparation, in the FAA Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards, the checkride every private pilot flies.
Free to startThe steps
- Compute the weight and balance, correct any out-of-CG loading and determine whether the weight and balance stays within limits in every phase of flight.
- Use the right performance charts, tables and data of the airplane.
Safety rules that stop the station
- Failing to exercise risk management is unsatisfactory.
- If you do not use sound aeronautical decision-making, including single-pilot resource management, the examiner marks the task as failed.
To pass
- Weight and balance computed and kept within limits in every phase of flight, with the performance taken from the airplane's own charts.
- Know how to use the charts, tables and data for performance and limitations, the factors that change performance (atmospheric conditions, pilot technique, configuration, airport environment, loading and center of gravity, weight and balance), aerodynamics, and how calculated and actual performance can differ.
- Missing the standard on this task fails the task and its area of operation.
Official source
Private Pilot for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-6C)
The FAA publishes the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards free: every task of the checkride with its knowledge, risks and tolerances.
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