Flight Performance and Planning
Mass and Balance
You must compute weight and balance using the aircraft's center of gravity (CG) envelope. Know terms: empty weight, maximum takeoff weight, useful load, arm, moment. Be able to calculate CG and determine if it falls within limits.
Performance
Takeoff and landing distances are affected by weight, altitude, temperature, wind, and runway slope. Use the aircraft's performance charts. Understand density altitude and its impact on performance.
Flight Planning
Plan a VFR cross-country: choose route, altitude, check weather, compute fuel requirements (including reserves), and fill a flight plan. Know fuel reserve rules: typically 30 minutes for VFR (day) and 45 minutes (night) in Bolivia.
Traps
Questions often give a scenario with a chart and ask for the result. Ensure you read the correct chart and apply corrections. Another trap: confusing pressure altitude with density altitude. Also, weight and balance: adding weight aft moves CG aft; forward moves CG forward.
Worked Example
Given: Empty weight 1,500 lb at arm 40 in, pilot and passenger 340 lb at arm 37 in, fuel 240 lb at arm 48 in. Total weight = 2,080 lb. Total moment = 1,50040 + 34037 + 240*48 = 60,000 + 12,580 + 11,520 = 84,100 lb-in. CG = 84,100/2,080 = 40.4 in. Check against envelope.
Rule of Thumb
For density altitude: add 120 ft per 1°C above standard temperature. For fuel: always compute useable fuel, not total capacity.