Private Pilot Class - Aircraft Performance

Aircraft Performance - Every aircraft is different and will perform differently depending on a lot of variables.

This portion of the learning plan gives the students (pilots)the knowledge and the tools to understand these variables and how they effect the aircraft.

In addition the student learns how to use the tools and knowledge to determine or effect the aircraft's performance.

Students will learn about:

*Weight and Balance

*Computing Weight and Balance using:

-Weight and Balance Tables

-Weight and Balance Charts

-Weight and Balance Formulas

*Density Altitude and Aircraft Performance - "How high does the airplane think it is?"

*Effects on Takeoff Distance

*Cruise Power Settings (Fuel and Performance)

*Effects on Landing Distance

*Headwind and Crosswind Component Graph

Using these tools the Aviation student learns how to determine (in advance) how the aircraft will perform while they are still on the ground.

This is very similar to what NASA ahs to do with Rockets and Race Teams do for Race Cars. They both know what to expect BEFORE they start the engines and change the setups based on these expectations to get the results they want.