ATPL Performance (EASA) case studies
ATPL Performance · Put your knowledge to work in context.
ATPL Performance is one of the fourteen theoretical knowledge subjects that must be passed before a candidate can hold an Airline Transport Pilot Licence. In the UK it is administered within the CAA's ATPL examination system, and it is aimed at aspiring commercial flight crew - typically pilots who already hold or are working towards a Commercial Pilot Licence and are building the theoretical knowledge required for the higher licence. The subject is examined by multiple-choice questions and tests whether a candidate can extract and apply aircraft performance data rather than simply recall formulae: take-off field length and obstacle clearance, climb gradients and segment requirements, cruise and en-route planning including fuel and drift-down considerations, and landing distance and dispatch requirements. Preparation normally combines a structured ground-school course with sustained practice on performance charts and tabulated data, since the exam rewards fast, accurate reading of graphs and tables under time pressure. The ATPL Performance case studies are 5 cases and about 2,394 words.
1Wet or Contaminated Take-off with a Valid Load Sheet
You are captain of a Boeing 737-800 departing Runway 18 at an airport with elevation 1,250 ft and runway slope +0.8%. TORA 2,600 m, TODA 2,600 m, ASDA 2,450 m.
576 words, about 3 min2Obstacle-Limited Take-off and the Clearway Trap
Runway 09 at a 500 ft elevation airport has TORA 3,000 m, TODA 3,300 m and ASDA 3,000 m. A 15 m obstacle lies 4,500 m from the start of roll, on the extended centreline.
472 words, about 2 min3Engine Failure in Cruise: Driftdown versus MSA
Twin-engine jet at mass 62,000 kg cruising FL350 in ISA+10. The right engine fails.
447 words, about 2 min4Step Climb Above the Buffet Ceiling
Twin-jet cruising at FL360, mass 205,000 kg, ISA+15, headwind 50 kt. The flight manual gives optimum altitude 34,100 ft, maximum altitude for 1.3 g buffet 37,200 ft, and a recommended turbulence penetration speed of M0.76.
407 words, about 2 min5Landing on a Contaminated Runway with a Go-Around Limit
Landing at an airport with LDA 2,600 m, runway 27, tailwind 15 kt, runway condition 5 mm water and medium braking action. Landing mass is 62,000 kg.
492 words, about 2 min