Flight Performance and Planning Flashcards
7 cards from real CPL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Flight Performance and Planning flashcards as text
What is the significance of V1 (takeoff decision speed) during a multi-engine takeoff?
Answer: The maximum speed at which the pilot can abort the takeoff and stop within the available runway
V1 is the critical engine failure recognition speed; at or above V1, the pilot must continue the takeoff because stopping within the remaining runway is no longer assured.
For FAR Part 135 operations, what is the IFR alternate airport fuel requirement?
Answer: Fuel to destination plus fuel to alternate plus 45 minutes at cruise
FAR 135.209 requires fuel to fly to the destination, then to the alternate, plus 45 minutes of cruise flight at normal fuel consumption.
What is the 'accelerate-stop distance' (ASD)?
Answer: The total distance needed to accelerate to V1, experience an engine failure, and stop completely
Accelerate-stop distance is the total runway required to accelerate to V1, recognize an engine failure, and brake to a full stop.
A pilot is planning a flight at 10,000 ft MSL and the outside air temperature is +10°C. Standard temperature at 10,000 ft is -5°C. What is the density altitude?
Answer: Approximately 12,700 ft
With OAT 15°C above standard, density altitude is approximately 10,000 + (15 × 120) = ~11,800–12,700 ft depending on correction formula used.
What is meant by 'balanced field length'?
Answer: The condition where accelerate-stop distance equals accelerate-go distance
Balanced field length is achieved when the accelerate-stop distance equals the takeoff distance following an engine failure at V1, optimizing use of the available runway.
How does a downhill runway slope affect takeoff performance?
Answer: Decreases ground roll distance
A downhill slope allows the aircraft to accelerate faster due to the gravitational component aiding forward motion, reducing the ground roll required.
What is the purpose of the 'obstacle clearance limit' in takeoff planning?
Answer: To ensure the aircraft can clear all obstacles in the departure path with a required gradient
Obstacle clearance limits ensure that following an engine failure at V1, the aircraft can clear all obstacles along the departure flight path with the required safety gradient.