CPL Flight Performance and Planning study plan

Define the terms empty mass, basic mass, dry operating mass, takeoff mass, landing mass, and zero-fuel mass, and state which of them are regulated limits rather than computed values.

Convert between mass and weight units (kg, lb, litres of fuel at a stated density) and compute fuel mass from volume for at least ten mixed-unit examples without error.

Explain how the centre of gravity is expressed as a percentage of mean aerodynamic chord and calculate CG position from a given datum using moment arms.

Identify the structural and certification limits that bound the loading envelope: maximum takeoff mass, maximum landing mass, maximum zero-fuel mass, and maximum floor loading.

Construct a complete load sheet by hand for a single-engine aeroplane from a given mass-and-balance schedule, showing arms, moments, and totals.

Apply the forward and aft CG limits to a loaded aeroplane and state whether the loading is inside, outside, or on the boundary of the envelope.

Predict the handling consequences of loading beyond the aft limit (reduced static stability, lighter control forces, longer spin recovery) and beyond the forward limit (high stick forces, reduced elevator authority, longer takeoff run).

Compute the mass and moment change produced by moving a passenger, a bag, or fuel between stations, and determine the new CG without recalculating the whole load sheet.

Explain the difference between maximum takeoff mass limited by structure and by performance, and state which one governs on a given day.

Describe how fuel burn and fuel transfer shift the CG in flight and identify the case in which the CG moves furthest.

Define indicated, calibrated, equivalent, and true airspeed and state the relationship between them, including the effect of altitude and temperature on the gap between IAS and TAS.

Explain how density altitude is computed and describe its effect on engine power, propeller or thrust output, and lift for a normally aspirated aeroplane.

Describe the four forces in steady level flight and explain how induced drag, parasite drag, and total drag vary with airspeed.

Identify the speeds Vx, Vy, Vbg, Vs, and Va on a power-required curve and state what each represents operationally.

Explain the effect of mass, bank angle, and load factor on stall speed and on the speed for minimum power required.

Extract takeoff ground roll and total distance to 50 ft from a provided takeoff chart for at least six combinations of pressure altitude, temperature, mass, wind, and surface condition.

Apply the correct correction factors for headwind, tailwind, runway slope, and dry grass or wet surface to chart-derived distances, and state the direction of each correction.

Determine the takeoff and landing distances required for a given runway and compare them with the available distances, including the stopway and clearway definitions.

Explain the effect of density altitude, mass, wind, and runway slope on landing distance and identify which factor most strongly affects the landing ground roll.

Describe the regulatory takeoff and landing distance requirements applicable to the aeroplane class, including the 50 ft screen height and the meaning of a factored landing distance.

Read climb rate and climb gradient from a provided climb chart and convert between rate of climb and gradient for a given groundspeed.

Determine the climb-limited mass for a given obstacle clearance requirement, or state that no chart-limited mass applies.

Explain the difference between best rate of climb and best angle of climb and select the correct speed for obstacle clearance versus time to altitude.

Compute cruise true airspeed, fuel flow, and endurance for at least three cruise power settings using a cruise chart or table.

Plan a descent profile that meets a required crossing restriction, computing top of descent and rate of descent from groundspeed and required height loss.

Compute trip fuel, contingency fuel, alternate fuel, final reserve, and taxi fuel for a planned route and state the total fuel required.

Select a destination alternate and justify the choice against weather, distance, and runway suitability criteria.

Extract wind velocity from a provided wind and temperature chart and apply it to a navigation leg to obtain groundspeed and heading.

Build a full navigation log for a three-leg route with headings, groundspeed, leg times, and fuel per leg.

Explain the fuel planning rules applicable to the operation, including when an alternate is required and what the final reserve represents.

List the planning documents and validity periods that must be checked before departure, including licence, medical, aeroplane documents, and mass and balance paperwork.

Explain the operational rules that constrain flight planning: fuel policy, alternate requirements, minimum fuel, and the declaration of an emergency fuel state.

Describe how to replan in flight when the destination becomes unsuitable, including diversion fuel computation and the decision point.

Compute the fuel available and endurance remaining at a given in-flight point and compare it with the fuel needed to reach the alternate plus final reserve.

Explain the difference between minimum fuel and emergency fuel and state the action required in each case.

Complete a full timed mock examination across all eight domains and record the score per domain.

Re-derive from memory the mass definitions, the TAS and density altitude relationships, and the fuel components, without notes.

Redo every question missed on the mock and write the corrected reasoning for each in one sentence.

Produce a single-page reference sheet of the formulas and limits you must hold in memory for the examination.