Loading and Performance Limitations
The Loading and Performance Limitations domain tests whether a legal load is also a safe and capable load. It links weight, CG, density altitude, runway and structural limits to the aircraft's certified envelope.
Core rules
- Aircraft-specific limits include MTOW, MLW, MZFW, maximum payload, floor loading, CG range, maximum operating altitude, maximum crosswind and V speeds.
- Takeoff may be limited by MTOW; landing may be limited by MLW after fuel burn; zero-fuel weight can limit payload before either.
- Forward CG increases stall speed, takeoff distance and elevator forces; aft CG reduces static stability and spin recovery margin.
- Load factor limits are structural: manoeuvring and gust loads must stay within the positive and negative g limits.
Worked example
MTOW 1200 kg, basic empty 700 kg, fuel 120 kg, pilot 80 kg, two passengers 140 kg. Allowable baggage = 1200 − (700+120+80+140) = 160 kg. If landing fuel is 40 kg, landing weight with 160 kg baggage = 700+80+140+40+160 = 1120 kg, below MLW 1150 kg. Takeoff weight is limiting. If baggage were 190 kg, takeoff weight would be 1230 kg, 30 kg over MTOW.
Traps
- Checking MTOW only and ignoring MLW or MZFW.
- Assuming an aft CG improves all performance; it may reduce stability and spin recovery.
- Using takeoff chart figures for a different flap setting or contaminated runway.
- Ignoring floor loading or baggage compartment limits.