PPL Flight Performance and Planning case studies
PPL Flight Performance and Planning · Put your knowledge to work in context.
Flight Performance and Planning is one of the theoretical knowledge subjects a candidate must pass before being issued a Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane). The UK Civil Aviation Authority lists private pilot licences, learning to fly, pilot training organisations and medical requirements under its General Aviation pages, and pilot licences and examiner processes under Licensing, so candidates should treat the CAA as the authority for licence requirements and for the publications that support study. The PPL Flight Performance and Planning case studies are 5 cases and about 2,869 words.
1High-density-altitude short-field departure
You are planning a short-field takeoff from a 2,400 ft dry-grass runway at 2,800 ft MSL. The QNH is 30.12 inHg and the outside air temperature is 29 °C.
598 words, about 3 min2Aft CG exceeded by baggage loading
The aircraft has an empty weight of 1,650 lb and an empty-weight CG of 82.0 in aft of datum. You load a pilot of 170 lb at 85.0 in, a front passenger of 160 lb at 85.0 in, a rear passenger of 150 lb at 118.0 in, 60 lb of baggage at 140.0 in, and 40 US gal of usable fuel at 95.0 in (6 lb/gal).
534 words, about 3 min3Fuel plan with a strengthening headwind
You plan a 185 NM leg at a TAS of 115 kt with a forecast 15 kt headwind. Fuel burn is 8.5 US gal/h.
631 words, about 3 min4Crosswind runway choice with a short grass alternative
You are inbound to a 2,600 ft dry paved runway 27 (heading 270°) at an airport 1,200 ft above sea level. The ATIS reports wind 320° true at 20 kt gusting 30 kt; magnetic variation is negligible.
598 words, about 3 min5Ridge clearance with marginal climb performance
You are departing a valley airport at 2,000 ft MSL in a 2,400 lb normally aspirated aircraft. The OAT is 20 °C and QNH is 29.92 inHg, so pressure altitude equals elevation.
508 words, about 3 min