NCAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning study plan

Define the four mass-and-balance variables (empty mass, operating mass, takeoff mass, landing mass) and state which are regulated limits for the aircraft you fly

Compute the datum, arm, moment, and centre-of-gravity position for a simple two-mass loading case without reference material

Explain why centre of gravity is expressed as a percentage of mean aerodynamic chord and convert between linear and percentage MAC positions

Build a personal one-page formula sheet covering moment arms, MAC conversion, and the mass definitions

Calculate maximum structural takeoff and landing masses, maximum zero-fuel mass, and maximum ramp mass for a representative light aircraft from its documentation

Determine whether a given loading falls inside the centre-of-gravity envelope at both takeoff and landing

Apply the standard load-shift formula to move CG by a required amount and state the mass to shift or ballast to add

Identify the failure modes of an overloaded or out-of-envelope aircraft and link each to the affected performance phase

Distinguish pressure altitude, density altitude, and indicated versus true airspeed, and compute density altitude from field elevation, altimeter setting, and temperature

Explain how mass, density altitude, wind, runway slope, and surface condition each change takeoff and landing distance

Extract takeoff and landing distances from a tabular or graphical performance chart and apply the required safety factors

State the regulatory takeoff and landing distance requirements that apply to the operation you intend to fly

Calculate climb gradient and rate of climb from airspeed and vertical speed, and convert between gradient and feet per nautical mile

Determine obstacle clearance for a departure by combining climb gradient, distance to the obstacle, and required margin

Explain the effect of mass, altitude, and temperature on service ceiling and single-engine or reduced-power climb performance

Compute still-air range and endurance from fuel flow and ground speed, then correct for headwind and tailwind

Assemble a complete fuel plan covering taxi, trip, contingency, alternate, final reserve, and any additional fuel

Calculate leg time, fuel burn, and mass at each waypoint for a three-leg cross-country flight

Verify that planned landing mass and CG remain within limits at every waypoint, not just at departure

Identify in-flight conditions that require replanning, such as unforecast wind, icing, or a change in alternate

Interpret METAR, TAF, and significant weather charts to decide whether a planned flight can proceed

Select an alternate aerodrome and justify the choice using weather minima, runway suitability, and fuel available

Explain the components of a flight plan and how to amend or close one in flight

Describe the monitoring loop of comparing actual fuel, time, and position against plan and the trigger points for action

List the documents that must be on board and their validity requirements for the aircraft and the pilot

Explain the purpose and content of the mass-and-balance record, technical log, and performance section of the flight manual

Demonstrate the pre-flight documentation check as a sequence, including the consequences of each missing item

Apply the standard emergency fuel and diversion decision framework to a deteriorating scenario

Complete a full timed mock examination across all four domains and score it by domain

Re-derive every missed calculation from first principles and record the error type: concept, arithmetic, unit, or misread

Reduce the formula sheet to the minimum set actually needed under time pressure

State a personal exam-day routine for reading calculation questions, checking units, and sanity-checking answers