Performance: Take-off, Climb, Cruise and Landing
Take-off
Understand the take-off distances: TODA, TORA, ASDA, LDA, and the meaning of V1, VR and V2. Know how density altitude, wind, slope, mass and contamination affect performance. Trap: questions give a headwind/tailwind and expect you to apply the percentage change correctly; tailwind increases take-off distance dramatically.
Climb and cruise
Know climb gradients, rates of climb and how they vary with altitude. Understand the cruise altitude trade-off: higher altitude gives better specific range until the optimum, but reduces buffet margin and climb capability. Know the meaning of drift-up/drift-down and step climb.
Landing
Understand landing distance required versus available, and the effect of wind, slope, temperature and runway condition. Apply the 1.67 factor for dry/wet where relevant.
Rule of thumb: A 10% increase in mass increases take-off distance by about 20% (roughly squared relationship). Example: 10% heavier → ~20% longer take-off roll.
Know how to read performance charts and interpolate for weight, temperature, pressure altitude and wind.