Flyco Performance
Flyco Performance
COURSE OUTLINES
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PERFORMANCE
Rev 1.1
Date 2021-09-23
TABLE OF CONTENT
COURSE START 4
INTRODUCTION 4
Basic Terminology 4
The Atmosphere 4
Pressure Altitude 5
Density Altitude 5
TAKEOFF CONSIDERATIONS 6
VR Rotation Speed 7
VMAXTIRE 7
V2 Speed 7
Field Length 8
Accelerate-Go Distance 8
Clearway 9
Stopway 9
Effects of Winds 9
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PERFORMANCE
Rev 1.1
Date 2021-09-23
TABLE OF CONTENT
The Go Decision 10
Climb 11
Obstacle 11
CLIMB PERFORMANCE 11
Climb Gradient 11
Diversion Airfield 14
Contaminated Runway 15
SUMMARY 16
COURSE END 16
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COURSE START
1-LEGAL CAUTION The material contained in this training program is based on the information obtained from current state, local and
company regulations and it is to be used for training purposes only. At the time of designing this program contained then current
information. In the event of conflict between data provided herein and that in publications issued by the authority, the authority shall take
precedence.
INTRODUCTION
2-INTRODUCTION This course is designed to introduce and review basic jet aircraft performance information for flight dispatchers. This
unit of the course covers factors that affect aircraft atmospheric conditions, runway environment and the fundamental physical laws
governing the forces acting on aircraft. This program does not supersede any Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) or Operational Performance
Manual (OPM), nor any regulations published by the FAA/EASA/ICAO or any State procedures. Refer to these publications for the actual
operating limitation on your aircraft. The information in this course is taken from many different sources including manufactures
publications, published regulations and many different publications on the general subject of aircraft performance. This course will cover
basic jet aircraft performance from ground operation, through the takeoff, climb, cruise and descent/landing considerations
Basic Terminology
3-Definitions and Terms To see all explanations, please download “ PERF DOC.1” Document from the course document files section.
Aircraft Performance Manual contain the operating data for the aircraft. This includes the takeoff data, climb, range, endurance, descent
and landing data required for the safe operation of flight in all phases of flight. Knowledge and proper use of this data is mandatory for the
safe operation of the aircraft. The data supplied by the manufactures’ is not standardized and can be presented in several different forms.
The data is usually presented in ISA conditions and must be adjusted for variations in temperature, pressure, weight, altitude etc.
Dispatchers must be familiar with the meanings of various terms used to express performance capabilities and limitations. Since the
atmosphere has a predominate effect on performance, a review of pressure and temperature in the atmosphere need to be discussed. The
chief elements of performance are takeoff and landing distance, rate of climb, ceiling, payload, range, speed, manoeuvrability, stability and
fuel economy. The relationship between these items dictates the difference between aircraft. Performance is dependent on the
aerodynamic characteristics of power/thrust requirements in different flight regimes based on the design of the aircraft. Matching the
optimum powerplant optimum aircraft gives maximum performance under specific design conditions.
The Atmosphere
5-The Atmosphere The atmosphere surrounds the Earth and rests upon the surface. The gases making up the atmosphere
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have mass, weight, and an indefinite shape. The air is able to move and change its shape based pressures and temperatures. The
atmosphere is composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1 % mixed gases.
6-Atmospheric pressure is the pressure of the atmosphere pressing on the Earth. This pressure the basic factor acting on the weather
helps provide lift and actuates some of the important instruments used for flight. Air is light but has mass and is affected by the attraction of
gravity. It has weight and therefore has force. This force is exerted equally in all directions and its effect on the bodies is called pressure.
The average pressure is about 14.7 lb/in. As air becomes less dense it reduces: * power/thrust since the aircraft is taking in less air * lift
since thin air exerts less force on the airfoils Because the atmosphere varies with time and location, a standard reference was established;
the standard temperature at sea level was 59 degrees F or 15 degrees C. Standard pressure was selected to be 29.92 in Hg or 1013.2
millibars.
7-A standard temperature lapse rate is one in which the temperature decreases at the rate of approximately 3.5 degrees F or 2 (1.98)
degrees C per thousand feet up to 36,000 feet. Above this point, the temperature is considered constant up to 80,000 feet. A standard
pressure lapse rate is one I which pressure decreases at a rate of approximately 1 in Hg per 1,000 feet of altitude gain to 10,000 feet. Since
all airplane performance is compared and evaluated with respect to the standard atmosphere, all aircraft instruments are calibrated for the
standard atmosphere. Thus, corrections must apply to the instrumentation, as well as the airplane performance, if the actual operating
conditions do not fit the standard atmosphere. In order to account properly for the non-standard atmosphere, certain related terms must be
defined.
8-Example; You are flying at flight level 330 and the actual temperature is minus 41 0C. Standard temperature at sea level is 15 0C and the
lapse rate is 2 0C per thousand feet. 33 multiply 2 0C is equal to 66 0C total change in temperature. To find the ISA at FL 330 is 15 minus
66 than the result is minus 51 0C. The actual temperature is minus 41 and the difference is plus 10. The result is ISA plus 10.
Pressure Altitude
9-Pressure Altitude Pressure altitude is the altitude indicated when the altimeter setting is 29.92 in Hg or 1013.2 millibars. The pressure
altitude can be determined by either of two methods: * by setting the barometric scale of the altimeter to 29.92 and reading the indicated
altitude, * by applying a correction factor to the indicated altitude according to the reported “altimeter setting.”
Density Altitude
10-Density Altitude The more appropriate term for correlating aerodynamic performance in the nonstandard atmosphere is density
altitude—the altitude in the standard atmosphere corresponding to a particular value of air density. Density altitude is pressure altitude
corrected for nonstandard temperature. As the density of the air increases (lower density altitude), airplane performance increases and
conversely as air density decreases (higher density altitude), airplane performance decreases. A decrease in air density means a high
density altitude; and an increase in air density means a lower density altitude. Density altitude is used in calculating airplane performance.
Under standard atmospheric condition, air at each level in the atmosphere has a specific density, and under standard conditions, pressure
altitude and
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density altitude identify the same level. Density altitude, then, is the vertical distance above sea level in the standard atmosphere at which a
given density is to be found. The computation of density altitude must involve consideration of pressure (pressure altitude) and
temperature. Since airplane performance data at any level is based upon air density under standard day conditions, such performance data
apply to air density levels that may not be identical with altimeter indications. Under conditions higher or lower than standard, these levels
cannot be determined directly from the altimeter.
TAKEOFF CONSIDERATIONS
12-TAKEOFF CONSIDERATIONS The majority of pilot-caused accidents occur during the takeoff and landing phases of flight. Because of
that fact, the pilot should be very familiar with all the variables that influence aircraft performance in these phases of flight. Takeoff
performance is a condition of accelerated and decelerated motion. During takeoff, the aircraft starts at zero speed and accelerates to
takeoff speed to become airborne. Takeoff speed will be a function of the stall speed or the minimum flying speed. The rate of acceleration
during takeoff is inversely proportional to the mass of the object being accelerated. The takeoff distance is a function of acceleration and
speed. The most critical conditions of takeoff performance are a combination on high gross weight, altitude, temperature and unfavorable
winds. First we need to look at the different takeoff speeds and how they affect the decision to continue or abort a takeoff.
is increased to a point at which an event is assumed to occur. This event at one time was considered to be an engine failure. For
determining an accelerate-stop distance, it is more conservative to consider an event rather than an engine failure. V1 occurs one second
after the event. Many of these tests are performed. Average times are calculated to accomplish the following actions: * Apply the brakes *
Move the throttles to idle * Extend the speedbrakes. These times are used to calculate the accelerate-stop distance. As shown in the
performance charts in the AFM, a one second interval is assumed between the occurrences of the event and the pilot’s recognition that the
event has happened. An additional two seconds are then added to conservatively account for the pilot’s reaction time. Then, brakes are
applied, throttles are moved to idle, and the speedbrakes are extended using the flight test times. The distance that the airplane travels
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distance required to continue to accelerate the airplane after the engine failure and complete the takeoff climbing to a height of 35 feet
(10.7 m) at or above VMCG (This is the minimum speed on the ground at which it is possible to recover and complete a takeoff with a
failure of a critical engine).
15-As definition of the take off speeds, we will explain the following definitions and the relations among them. * VMCG * V1 * VMBE * VR *
VMCA * VMU * VLOF * VMAXTIRE * V2 *
VR Rotation Speed
18-VR Rotation Speed VR is the rotation speed. Another explanation is, VR is the speed that pilot normally starts the control lever to move
backward.
VMAXTIRE
23-VMAXTIRE VMAXTIRE is a structural limit speed of the tire on the ground.
V2 Speed
24-V2 Speed V2 is the engine inoperative takeoff safety speed at 35 feet (10.7 m).
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Field Length
28-Field Length Three cases are examined to determine the required field length. They are: * With the failure of one engine at the most
critical point, the distance required to accelerate to reach 35 feet (10.7 m) above the runway at the end of the available takeoff distance *
The distance required to accelerate to until an event occurs one second prior to V1, and stop within the available stop distance * With all
engines operative throughout the takeoff, 115% of the distance to reach 35 feet (10.7 m) above the runway at the end of the runway.
Accelerate-Go Distance
30-Accelerate-Go Distance The distance required to accelerate to V1 with all engines at takeoff power and then suffer an engine loss at V1
and then continue takeoff on the remaining engine(s). This also includes the distance to climb to 35 feet at V2.
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32-TORA Takeoff Run Available Takeoff Run Available (TORA) is the length of runway which is declared available by the appropriate
authority and suitable for the ground run of an aeroplane taking off. TORA is either equal to the runway length, or to the distance from the
runway entry point (intersecting taxiway) to the end of the runway.
Clearway
34-Clearway Clearway is the area beyond the runway, it must: * Be at least 500 feet (152.4 m) wide * Have its centre on the same line that
is the extended centreline of the runway * Be under the control of the airport authorities * No object or terrain in the clearway may project
above a +1.25% plane.
35-If a clearway is available, the point where the airplane climbs to 35 feet (10.7m) can be over that clearway. This permits you to use a
higher weight because you have more distance to use to climb to 35 feet (10.7 m). The higher weight requires a lower V1 to still be able to
stop on the available runway.
36-Clearway credit is allowed for no more than half of the flare distance. The flare distance is the distance between lift-off and the point
where the airplane is 35 feet (10.7 m) above the ground.
Stopway
37-Stopway Stopway is an area beyond the runway. It must: * Be at least as wide as the runway * Have its centre on the same line that is
the extended centre line of the runway * Be identified for use to decelerate an airplane if that airplane does a rejected takeoff If a stopway is
available, you have more distance to stop the airplane from V1. This permits you to use a higher takeoff weight, but requires a higher V1 to
ensure that you can still climb to 35 ft by the end of the runway.
Effects of Winds
38-Effects of Winds The effect of wind on takeoff is large. A headwind will allow the aircraft to takeoff at a lower groundspeed while a
tailwind will require the aircraft to gain a larger ground speed to be able to takeoff. A headwind component of 10% of the takeoff speed will
reduce takeoff distance by about 19%. A tailwind component of 10% will increase the takeoff distance 20%.
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40-Generally, an upward slope degrades the aircraft’s acceleration capability increases takeoff distance. On the other hand, the stopping
distance is shortened in case of a rejected takeoff. This is why, depending on the takeoff limitation, an upward slope can sometimes
improve MTOW and sometimes lower it.
The Go Decision
41-The Go Decision The Authorities give minimum performance standards for the "Go" decision. The Authority "Go" condition examines the
airplane with one engine failed at the most critical part of the takeoff. In this condition, the airplane must: * Continue to accelerate to VMCG
* Rotate * Lift-off * Be at V2 at 35 feet (10.7 m) above the end of the takeoff distance. The airplane must be able to be controlled throughout
this time. In almost 75% of the RTO accidents, full takeoff power was available on both engines.
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46-Effects of Flaps on Takeoff Gross Weight and Field Length A higher flap setting uses less runway length than a lower flap setting.
However, a higher flap setting gives a lower takeoff climb limit weight than a lower flap setting. On shorter runways, it is possible to have a
higher gross takeoff weight by using a higher flap setting. On longer runways, lower flaps settings will give higher gross takeoff weights.
Climb
47-Climb The climb limit weight is the maximum weight that meets the minimum climb gradients established by the FARs. Minimum climb
gradients are specified for takeoff with landing gear extended; takeoff with landing gear retracted, and final takeoff climb. For a two engine
jet, the climb gradient for takeoff with gear extended must be positive. The minimum climb gradient for takeoff with landing gear retracted is
2.4%. Minimum climb gradient in the final climb configuration is 1.2%. Climb capability in the takeoff configuration with landing gear
retracted usually determines the climb limit weight. Takeoff/climb performance is divided into the following segments: First Segment Climb
is from liftoff to gear up and computed with takeoff flap setting, takeoff thrust, V2 speed from 35 feet to gear up; Second Segment Climb is
from gear up to level off for flap retraction and is computed at takeoff flap setting, takeoff thrust, V2 speed and flap retraction speed; Third
Segment Climb is from level flight flap retraction from the takeoff position to the up position and is computed at takeoff thrust for normal
analysis, Maximum Continuous Thrust (MCT) for extended second segment analysis; Final Segment Climb is computed at final flaps up
Obstacle
48-Obstacle The airplane’s net flight path must clear an obstacle by 35 feet (10.7 m). The net flight path is calculated by reducing the gross
(actual) climb gradient by 0.8%.
CLIMB PERFORMANCE
49-CLIMB PERFORMANCE Climb Considerations Climb performance is dependent on “excess thrust” or having more thrust than required
for straight and level flight. Power is defined as the work rate or units of work per time and is function of the speed at which the force id
developed. Thrust is defined as a function of work and means for the force that imparts a change in the velocity of a mass. Although the
terms are used interchangeably they do have slightly different meanings. Thrust is a force that can be measured in pounds but has no
element or time or rate. In a climb, the aircraft is capable of a steady climb due to have “excess thrust”. Jet engines are rated in pounds of
thrust produced, while propeller driven engines are rated in “horsepower produced”. On a basic thrust curve chart, pilots can see if they
have excess thrust compared to drag. So for a given weight of the aircraft, the angle of climb depends on the difference between lift thrust
and drag. Climb angle is important to be able to clear obstacle or terrain. The maximum angle of climb occurs at the greatest difference
between thrust required and thrust available. Maximum rate of climb occurs at the point of maximum power available and power required.
Climb Gradient
50-Climb Gradient The position of the flaps also has an effect on the climb gradient. The climb gradient is in proportion to (thrust/weight) or
(Drag/Lift). At a higher flap setting, both the lift and the drag increase. However the drag increases
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faster than the lift. This gives a lower climb gradient than a lower flap setting. Because of this, a lower number flap setting causes a higher
climb angle than a higher number flap setting. If the weight is increased then the ratio of (thrust/weight) decreases. To maintain the same
gradient, the (drag/lift) ratio must also decrease. The higher V2 produces the decrease in the ratio of (drag/lift). When using improved climb,
remember that tire speed and brake energy V1 restrictions must be met, obstacle clearance requirements must be met, and Field length
requirements must be met at the higher speeds.
Each segment is characteristic of a distinct change in configuration, thrust, and speed. Moreover, the configuration, weight, and thrust of
the aircraft must correspond to the most critical condition prevailing in the segment. Finally, the flight path must be based on the aircraft’s
performance without ground effect. As a general rule, the aircraft is considered to be out of the ground effect, when it reaches a height
equal to its wing span. The aeroplane must reach V2 before it is 35 ft above the takeoff surface and must continue at a speed not less than
V2 until it is 400 ft above the takeoff surface” At each point along the takeoff flight path, starting at the point at which the aeroplane reaches
400 ft above the takeoff surface, the available gradient of climb may not be less than 1.2% for a two-engine airplane. Below 400 feet, the
speed shall be kept to a minimum of V2. Above 400 feet the aircraft must be able to maintain a minimum climb gradient with the ability to
accelerate when in level flight. In this case the regulatory minimum acceleration height is fixed at 400 feet above the takeoff surface. During
the acceleration segment, obstacle clearance must be available at any moment thus the operational minimum acceleration height is equal
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height of 400 ft it is assumed that the aeroplane is banked by no more than 15 degrees. Above 400 ft height bank angles greater than 15
degrees, but not more than 25 degrees may be scheduled. An operator must use special procedures, subject to the approval of the
Authority, to apply increased bank angles of not more than 20 degrees between 200 ft and 400 ft, or not more than 30 degrees above 400
ft”.
58-In cases of de-pressurization, a descent is required. The performance is not effected, however, oxygen time limitations
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are. MOCA is the primary focus as to allow the aircraft to descend below 14,000 feet. If MOCA is higher than 14,000 feet, the maximum 30
minutes flight time should not be exceeded to reach safe altitude lower than 14,000 feet. This is based on action to reach 10,000 feet within
120 NM's of the failure. Please consult your operation manual for oxygen limitations of your specific aircraft.
Diversion Airfield
60-Diversion Airfield The aerodrome where the aeroplane is assumed to land after engine failure must meet the following criteria: * The
performance requirements at the expected landing mass are met * Weather reports or forecasts, or any combination thereof, and field
condition reports indicate that a safe landing can be accomplished at the estimated time of landing” Alternate airports must be specified in
the dispatch or flight release. It must meet the weather minima for the approach category. If these minima are not met the diversion
procedure cannot be performed.
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dispatch requirements. It is not runway specific and does not guarantee terrain or obstacle clearance during a missed approach / go-
around.
Contaminated Runway
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70-Contaminated Runway There are no additional penalties associated with landing on contaminated (cluttered) runways. Adjustments to
the Runway Limit Landing Weight for wet or slippery runways are considered adequate for these conditions and should be applied.
Observe the following operational parameters when landing on contaminated runways: * Maximum water / slush depth: per AFM *
Maximum snow depth: per AFM
SUMMARY
71-SUMMARY This program has covered many different aspects for aircraft performance considerations. This program does not take the
place of FARs, EASA, ICAO procedures or any other regulatory requirements, nor the procedures published in any manufactures AFM or
OPM. Strict adherence to aircraft specific performance charts are necessary for the safe operation of your aircraft. We have covered basic
definition and concepts, mass/balance considerations, takeoff considerations, climb and cruise considerations and landing concepts.
COURSE END
72-End of the course.?